MART-AZR Project Research Report 76: Marketing of goat and sheep skins in highland Balochistan
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Citation
Abelardo Rodriguez, Imran Ali, M. Afzal, Nisar A Shah. (17/6/1992). MART-AZR Project Research Report 76: Marketing of goat and sheep skins in highland Balochistan. Punjab, Pakistan: Arid Zone Research Institute**.
Abstract
The value of the edible and non-edible meat by-products produced annually in Balochistan province is about $23 million and most of the raw skins are exported, as there are no tanneries in Balochistan. Informal and formal survey information was used to investigate the marketing process of sheep and goat skins, to identify problems faced by intermediaries involved in skin marketing, to identify opportunities to improve market efficiency and to evaluate the potential for developing tanneries and export channels. Two major factors affected the skin prices: seasonality and animal species. Prices for sheep and goat skins received by butchers in winter were 16-22% higher than prices in summer. Sheepskin prices were 38-83% higher than goat skin prices. All butchers sold their skins directly to beoparis (wholesalers) who collect the skins. Across all areas, only the market margin (difference received between the price received by butchers and beoparis) of goat skins was significant. Beoparis grade skins by size and used place of origin as an extra criterion. One-third to one-half of the butchers borrowed money from beoparis to finance their operations while 12-19% of the beoparis borrowed from commission agents. None of these merchants borrowed from private or public financial institutions. Price information flowed on a one-to-one basis, and there was no agency that monitored skin prices. Because of poor management, most of the skins of highland Balochistan were of low quality, in terms of size, thickness, flaying cuts, and scars. To induce producers to deliver animals with better skins, it is necessary to show them that there are consistent price differences for different skin qualities. Through a market information system, price information could be regularly collected, analyzed, and disseminated through radio and newspaper communications, but it is necessary to persuade government decision-makers of the potential benefits associated to these actions.