Breeders go online to sell their goats
Online sale of goats for sacrifice is fast emerging as a trend among goat breeders in rural parts of the state capital ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, popularly known as Bakr-Id.
Several traders, instead of selling their goats at the traditional ‘Bakra Mandi’ at Nimbu Park here, have posted advertisements on e-commerce sites like OLX and Quikr.
“We face cut-throat competition when it comes to selling our animals. We only get a few days’ time to sell them. Therefore, we need to come up with out of the box ideas like e-commerce to ensure the sale of all our goats ahead of the festival,” says Ishaan Rawat, a
I am flooded with calls from potential buyers but will sell my goats to the highest bidder
goat breeder.
In order to beat their competitors, goat-sellers have also highlighted the unique features of their goats on these web portals.
An advertisement posted by Rawat on OLX reads, “It is a beautiful god-gifted male goat. Its coat bears the name of Prophet Mohammed. I am sure this unique goat will find a buyer ahead of the festival.” Rawat has quoted the price of his goat at Rs 5 lakh.
OLX seems to be more popular among traders who have posted more than 50 advertisements on the site. Buyers can also choose from a variety of breeds, including ‘Ajmeri Tota Pari’, ‘Jamnapari’, and ‘Tota Pari.’
A goat trader from Balaganj, Kamil, has priced his goat Kallu at Rs 15,000. Another seller from the same locality Chand advertises his goat as ‘beautiful, healthy and best suited for sacrifice.’ Chand’s goat is available for Rs 33,000.
Shabbir Bhai from Barabanki is offering four goats for Rs 4 lakh. The ad posted by him reads, “The quoted price is very less considering the high-quality breed these goats belong to.” “I am flooded with calls from potential buyers but will sell my goats to the highest bidder,” adds Shabbir.
SHABBIR BHAI, Barabanki
A similar post by Abdul Sattar reads, “This goat priced at Rs 21,000 is especially for the Nawabs.” Sattar adds that while he is famous for his goats in the traditional city markets, it is the first time that he is selling them online. However, the older generation still feels e-commerce can’t beat the charm of buying goats in traditional markets. They are of the view that buying goats online dampens the festive fervour attached with the ritual. “Buying a goat is like a ritual where men go to the traditional markets in groups and buy a goat after checking out several options. I don’t think one should buy goats online as it is not possible to verify its health and breed,” said Ishtiyaq Ahmed, an elderly resident of Hussainabad. Ahmed also adds that encouraging online purchase could hit the business of the 100-year-old Bakra Mandi set up at Nimbu Park every year.
Backing online selling of goats, Maulana Khalid Rasheed Firangi Mahali, Imam, Eidgah Lucknow said, “It is a time-saving measure. However, before purchasing the goat, one should check if it is suitable for sacrifice.”