The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Benapole

The turn over was estimated at Tk 1.25 crore at the Rajarhat hides and skin market, the largest in southwest region, on Saturday.

Alauddin Mukul, secretary of hides and skin traders association, told UNB that tannery owners reigned the market elbowing out the small traders.

He said the price this year was good - Tk 90 to 95 per square feet of hides and Tk 42 to 45 goat skin. More than 5,000 hides worth around Tk 1 crore were sold. About equal number of goat skin worth Tk 25 lakh were sold on the first day after the Eidul Azha.

It is expected similar volume of transactions will take place at Rajarhat market today (Tuesday).

Tannery owners dominated the market. Tk 400 crore advanced by the banks for buying hides and skin this year has mostly went to the tannery owners. Small traders have little scope of business.

"Supply this year is lower than expectation. Demand is good and the price is also good. The prospect of smuggle out of hides and skin is far less this year," said Alauddin Mukul.

He said Rajarhat market should be developed as the centre of hides and skin trading by removing certain problems facing the sellers and buyers. Lack of storage and preservation facility is the main problem, he added.