JABAR EKSPRES – The need for sacrificial cattle in Riau Islands Province (Kepri) in 2023 submitted by local regencies/cities increased by 40 percent compared to 2022, from 3,636 to 5,118 heads.
“This increase shows that people’s enthusiasm for sacrifice is increasing, along with the increase in economic growth in Riau Islands,” said Head of the Riau Islands Provincial Food Security, Agriculture and Animal Health Office (DKP2KH) Rika Azmi in Tanjungpinang, Riau Islands, Saturday (6/3).
Rika Azmi said that based on reports received from seven regencies/cities in Riau Islands, the total availability of cattle for sacrifice currently stands at 8,754 heads.
This number is enough to fulfill the need for 5,118 sacrificial animals this year. This is after the policy of the Kepri Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) Task Force reopened the entry of FMD-prone animals (HRP) into the area.
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“Most of the entry comes from East Nusa Tenggara, because this is a green zone area so it can enter all areas of Riau Islands. Some also come from Lampung and Jambi, but only for Batam City, which is still a red zone,”Rika said.
As for goats, he said, Riau Islands needs as many as 11,226 heads, while the number available is 12,364 heads or sufficient.
However, the availability of goats is not evenly distributed in all regions of Riau Islands, the most is in Batam.
Rika also predicted an increase in the price of sacrificial animals ahead of Eid al-Adha 2023, triggered by the high demand for sacrifice.
In addition, he continued, it is a tradition for farmers to release their livestock during qurbani to get a more optimal price to meet the needs of their children’s schools and other daily needs.
Rika also ensured that the Riau Islands Provincial Government through the Transportation Agency and Pelni is ready to support the transportation of sacrificial animals from various regions to Riau Islands and between regions throughout Riau Islands.
