With about 100 shandy marets across the state, cattle trade is one of the most successful businesses in Tamil Nadu with profits to a tune of thousands of crores.

Based on a reply received for an RTI filed by Arun Prassana G, Head of the NGO, People for Cattle In India regarding the shandy market in the State, there are 100 shandy markets across the State with none in Chennai.

Of these 100 markets, Pollachi, Ottanchathram, Anthiyur, Karungal palayam, Acharapakkam, manapparai, matrapalli, Poigai, Sangeethamangalam, Madapattu, and Manalurpet sell cattle in large numbers.

At an average price of Rs 15000 per cattle, approximately Rs. 80 crore is made per month. Approximately 26 lakh cattle is traded per annum and 53,257 cattle is traded every week. The approximate trade cost per annum is Rs. 4160 crore.

Arun Prassana in a statement said, “The new law affects the brokers/middlemen in the markets hugely and that’s why they are opposing the rule tooth and nail”. He also said that the new regulation will be a boon to farmers as their biggest threat– slaughter house brokers– will be eradicated from these markets enabling fair trade and value for cattle.

He said,” beef trade is not associated with any specific religions and making the issue communal only shows the hidden agenda of the politicians” , he said. He also added that fringe elements are making use of this the opportunity to spread hatred.”