According to local residents, as soon as the livestock market in Kara-Balta was closed and relocated to another place in early February, the number of visitors to the "flea market" decreased by half. The number of sellers has also reduced," local residents reported.
They explained that previously the livestock market was located next to the "flea market." On Sundays, sellers from Sokuluk, Belovodsk, and Bishkek would come here. This was profitable for them, as villagers often returned from the livestock market with money and would definitely stop by the "flea market." Today, however, the area of the "flea market" is only half full.
Turmush previously reported that the number of animals sold at the livestock market "Zhiyil" in the village of Bekitai, located 15 km from the city of Kara-Balta, has decreased.
On February 15, visitors to the new livestock market noted a significant reduction in the number of agricultural animals. A week earlier, according to the district agricultural management, about 450 head of cattle, 220 horses, and around 750 sheep and goats were brought to the market, but this time the total number decreased by approximately 30%.
Among livestock breeders, several theories have emerged.
The first reason is the expectation of rising purchase prices. After the adjustment of regulatory prices for meat, the price increased from 680 to 740 soms per kilogram. As a result, farmers are hoping for an increase in wholesale purchase prices and prefer to delay the sale of livestock.
The second reason is competition with other markets. Some livestock breeders take their cattle to the market in the village of Sokuluk, as it is considered larger and more developed.
The third reason is the rise in transportation costs. According to sellers, the cost of freight transport services has significantly increased. If previously delivering cattle to the old market cost about 500 soms, now the price reaches 1500 soms for the new market. For the same amount, animals can be delivered to the Sokuluk district.
The cost of transportation for buyers has also increased. If previously it was possible to reach the old market by minibus for 25 soms, now the trip costs 100 soms per person. Taxi services have also risen — instead of the previous 300 soms, private drivers now charge up to 1000 soms.
It is worth noting that new rules are in effect at the market. According to the law "On Veterinary Medicine," when transporting and selling agricultural animals, owners must have veterinary accompanying documents. Without a certificate from veterinarians, animals are not allowed into the market.
Additionally, there is another innovation at the new market. To avoid congestion at the entrance, the administration has changed the procedure for paying the trading fee. Now the fee is collected upon exiting the market area, and in most cases, it is paid by the buyer.
This solution has eliminated an old problem: previously, some sellers would sell sheep and goats right at the entrance to avoid paying the fee. Now, entry to the market is free for everyone, and payment is made upon exit.
