A contest of tilling with bullocks was held here on Sunday which was participated by farmers using traditional oxen tilling method in their fields.
As many as 19 oxen of farmers belonging to Larkana, Shikarpur and Khairpur took part in the event.
Each bullock pair was given five minutes to plough land and the winner pair mad 13 rounds of land tilling. The pairs which completed more than nine rounds were applauded by the people.
The event was organised by Sher Narejo for the eighth consecutive year. He said the event was held to mark the old tradition of oxen farming, because diesel is very expensive and poor farmers cannot afford mechanised farming. He conceded that though the mechanised farming gives a better yield; however, if a peasant works tirelessly he can also produce better results.
The event was held at village Allah Warayo Solangi. Oxen of Sher Narejo, Lutuf Narejo, Siddique Soomro, Rasul Bux Lashari, Sachal Narejo, Gulzar Dayo and others took part in the event.
Gulzar Dayo and Lutuf Narejo said that the technique and the expertise of peasant and strength of his oxen matter in the event. They said all the participants were poor farmers belonging to various villages and they attended the contest at own expenses. They said they have no support of any government department. However, they said if government patronise this peasant sport, like cricket and hockey, such event could be organised in a better manner.
The oxen belonged to Nareewal, Sindhi, Dhanee and Begaree breeds took part in the event. They were decorated with Ajraks and Sindhi traditional embroidered works. Hundreds of people of all ages including children belonging to adjacent villages watched this unique program which they thought was part of their cultural heritage.
The winners were given cash prizes and traditional Sindhi Ajraks and caps. The first prize was won by Lutuf Narejo whose oxen completed 13 rounds. The second prize was bagged by oxen of Niaz Kalhoro on completing 12 rounds, while bullocks of Sher Narejo got the third prize.
