Pushkar Mela 2022 Hit by Lumpy Disease, Setback for Animal Trade

Rajasthan is one of the most popular places that attract tourists from around the world. The north-western state has a significant tourist following because of its forts, palaces, havelis, culture, and cuisine. The state organizes an event named “Pushkar Mela” every year which witnesses a huge crowd. This year, it has returned with the renowned fair.

Ashok Gehlot, the chief minister of Rajasthan, inaugurated the mela in Jaipur on Tuesday.

The well-known cow fair, however, wasn’t a part of the eight-day celebration due to the spread of lumpy skin disease.

Some traders reported a significant loss this year. Some even blamed the government, and as a result, this fair has suffered, and if this trend continues, this fair will no longer exist next year. Apart from that, citizens were dissatisfied with the lack of assistance from the state government.

Many animal traders were interested in this fair expo, however, because of the outburst of the lumpy disease this year, the expo was unable to run normally.

The colorful and lively fair that takes place every year in Pushkar town, some 150 km from the state capital, during the holy month of Kartik continues to feature cattle trade as one of its primary attractions.

The animal husbandry department official estimates that 15, 59, 859 animals in Rajasthan have the lumpy illness, of which 74, 495 have died and 11, 84, 163 have recovered as of 18 October.

Many vendors from throughout the country converged on this platform in the hopes of attending the Pushkar Mela. However, due to the spread of the pre-existing disease, the hope was met with chilly waves. Many traders who came in the hope were sent back which distressed them more.

Many vendors expressed their dejection when talking with Krishi Jagran as there was no word about an animal fair to be found. Some dealers who have been going to the same event for the past 15 to 20 years spent a lot of time and money to develop a foothold there but were unable to bring any cattle.

Many international visitors are also present to learn about Rajasthani culture and tradition, though not as many as in previous years because the charm has more or less faded.

The event was covered by Krishi Jagran's ground reporters. They interacted with the distressed farmers and traders.