Cattle ban law in India

The sale and slaughter ban of cattle in India has people talking only about the meat-eating issue, but the financial implications it will bring on the small scale farmers and dairy farmers in concerning. They rear cows and bulls for agricultural purposes and selling milk from which they earn their meagre livelihood. Once the cattle becomes old and weak, they have no other option but to sell it to a slaughter house. Because, with this meagre income, it will cost him dearly to maintain and feed retired cattle. Sooner or later, small-scale farmers and dairy men will soon get rid of cows, which will eventually lead to less native cows and bulls. This could lead to people relying on processed milk from non-native cattle varieties and processed milk powders, which only benefit corporations.

Even if a farmer wants to trade in his cattle for his farm-related requirements, as per the new rule, this involves a lot of documentation and dealing with government officials, which would cost a farmer several days of earnings. This new rule would also stop common people who want to rear their own cattle for milk or for passion in the traditional custom of Jallikattu. This is a severe blow to common people – not just Muslims, but also Hindus in villages.

This rule also deprives the poor people from relishing beef, which is the cheapest alternative protein source compared to the costlier non-vegetarian food like mutton and fish.

- The reader is a homemaker based in Abu Dhabi.