KARACHI: From the Kamori goat to the Red Sindhi cow, from the Kundhi buffalo to the Richhi sheep, the ‘Livestock, Dairy, Fisheries, Poultry and Agriculture Exhibition and Seminar 2014’ at the Expo Centre on Saturday featured some of the most exotic animals in the province.
“How much do you want for this cow?” an excited young man asked the owner of a Red Sindhi cow. “This animal is priceless, I merely ask for the ‘sweet’,” replied the owner, Mehar Khan Sehto from Mitiari.
The owner of the endangered Kamori, Haji Ibrahim Memon from Hala, said that raising rare and exotic goats is not only his hobby but is a business as well. “I am also trying to preserve this endangered animal,” he said. “It is high time that these beautiful animals are saved, otherwise they face extinction.” The Kamri, which looks as if it is wearing an ajrak, fetches a price of around Rs600,000 and gives more than six litres of milk in a day.
Badin’s heavy and tall buffalo, named Kundhi, also attracted visitors. “How much does it cost?” a visitor asked the owner, Waryam. “Sorry sir, I do not intend on selling this animal here,” he replied. “But what is its price,” the visitor persisted, while keeping his hands on Kundhi. “It costs nearly Rs2 million,” Waryam replied with a smile, leaving the visitor shocked. Waryam said that Kundhi gives 30kg of milk daily and added that he has brought his animals for show only.
Moro’s famous political family, Behan, is also known for keeping all kinds of animals in separate farm houses. Their horses, decorated with expensive saddles and silver, drew the attention of adults and children alike. “To keep horses isn’t an easy job,” explained the Behan family’s servant, Muhammad Juman, who allowed people to sit on the horses to have their pictures taken.
However, Sindh was not the only area featured in the show, animals from all over the planet were also welcomed. Different cows, including the Simmental from Switzerland, the Angus Black from UK, the Flekvieh from Germany and the Chorloise from France, were also part of the show, besides other kinds of animals. The show also boasted various types of birds, including ostriches, hens and parrots.
Business opportunity
“We want people to further explore Sindh’s livestock and also want the world to know that this province is rich in many departments,” said Sindh Livestock and Fisheries Minister Jam Khan Shoro.
While speaking to The Express Tribune, Shoro said that Sindh has a lot of potential for agricultural investment and added that the provincial government is seeking to encourage all potential investors. “It is a great opportunity and investors should come forward,” said Shoro. “Such a show also has informative value as people are able to see endangered animals.”
Pleasant experience
The visitors were blown away by the range of animals on show at the event. Animal enthusiasts could be seen running around excitedly, trying to see all the animals on display.
“I have 10 animals in a small farm house in Karachi,” said a visitor Aziz Bari. “The kinds of animals in this show are really amazing.”
His feelings were also shared by others present. “I love animals,” commented a seven-year-old boy, Abdul Rafay. “I have asked my father to buy at least one for me but he says we can’t because we don’t have any place where we can keep them.”
Published in The Express Tribune, March 3rd, 2014.
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