Plight of rawhide traders

The price of rawhide has fallen sharply causing immense loss to small and seasonal traders during this Eid-ul-Azha. On average, cowhides were sold at Tk 350 to Tk 400 and those of goats were sold at only Tk 25 to Tk 30. Last year, the prices were around Tk 1,000 and Tk 50 respectively. Many small traders alleged that they were not even able to break even.

Rawhide syndicates were responsible for causing the prices to be lower than the margin set by the government, according to the commerce ministry. Seasonal traders are having to bury or leave the rawhides unsold on the streets due to the sharp fall in prices, the valuation of which has amounted to Tk 100 crore.

Hide merchants and tannery owners are at loggerheads, trading blame for the plunge in prices. Presently, considering the plight of the seasonal businessmen, the government has decided to export the rawhides but this move is facing strong opposition from tannery owners.

Whatever the causes are behind the decline in prices, it is quite unexpected and unfortunate for traders at the grassroots level, and the authorities concerned should delve deep into the matter to find out the reasons behind this and address them.

Md Zillur Rahaman, by email