RASC News Agency: Several butchers in Herat province in western Afghanistan have expressed concern about the scarcity of livestock in the province and have called for action to address the situation. One butcher in Herat, who requested anonymity, told RASC on Tuesday, May 7, that most livestock in the area are being transported to neighboring countries by members of the Taliban.
He added that the price of livestock meat in Herat’s markets is steadily rising, and no effective measures have been taken to address the situation. He emphasized that the Taliban are working with smugglers and others involved in livestock and meat trafficking out of Afghanistan, showing no interest in addressing the problem.
He also noted that the price of mutton in Herat’s current market has increased significantly, highlighting the Taliban’s indifference to price manipulation. Meanwhile, another butcher in Herat told RASC that last year’s severe drought had reduced the number of livestock and had severely impacted various sectors of society, especially farmers.
He explained that the drought has posed significant challenges to the people, while livestock smuggling across the borders has further escalated meat prices. Fahim, a shepherd from Herat, told RASC that the current market price for mutton in the province ranges from 480 to 510 kabuli rupees, reflecting an increase compared to last year.
He noted that some individuals, dressed in different attire, come to purchase livestock, particularly sheep and goats, in large quantities. He added that whenever these individuals purchase livestock, they transport 30 to 50 goats and sheep in trucks to other locations. The shepherd did not specify where the livestock were being taken.
Meanwhile, experts in western Afghanistan confirmed that the rising prices of livestock and meat stem from the scarcity of livestock in the provinces. Del Agha Taban, an expert in western Afghanistan, told RASC that there are hidden forces working to undermine Afghanistan’s livestock industry.
He added that these forces include individuals profiting significantly while serving the goals of foreign interests. According to him, if the livestock shortage continues, the price of mutton could rise from 500 kabuli rupees per kilogram to as high as 800 to 1,000 kabuli rupees per kilogram. The Taliban did not respond to requests for comment on this matter.
