Online cattle trade gains pace

Buyers laud hassle-free services offered by vendors

ISLAMABAD:

As Eidul Azha approaches, online cattle markets are gaining popularity among buyers and sellers, offering hassle-free services and attractive free delivery options at buyers' preferred times.

These platforms feature animals in various colours, sizes, and price ranges. The rising demand for online cattle markets has led to a diverse array of sacrificial animals being made available at various price points.

An online buyer explained, "Going to the cattle market and moving through crowded areas carries the risk of heatwave-related perils, which is why we have decided to opt for online purchasing of sacrificial animals." An online seller added, "The price of cattle varies based on demand, weight, and supply in local markets. Buyers can select their preferred animal from home and avoid the ongoing heatwave."

The online platforms categorise animals into different types such as cows, goats, sheep, camels, and buffaloes. Detailed information about each animal is available by clicking on the desired category, said another online seller. Social media platforms have become a significant selling point for online marketing. A young seller from Karachi mentioned, "We offer comprehensive reviews of goats and cows, allowing website users to evaluate pictures of the sacrificial animals and see their breed."

An IT expert commented, "The current surge in online marketing demonstrates that investors are increasingly using the internet as a major marketing tool." A farmer noted, "Due to this social media trend, I have witnessed growth in my business." Selling animals online provides numerous advantages over traditional methods, saving farmers both money and time while yielding additional positive returns.

Online auctions and live video streams of sales are booming, according to another seller. The explosion of social media and internet marketing has been embraced by the agricultural sector, leading to a rise in online livestock buy-and-sell sites. A citizen remarked, "We have been incredibly inspired by how people are utilizing these sites during heatwave times for important religious occasions."

A customer shared, "I have already booked a sacrificial animal through an online website, but I am unsure whether it will look the same as it does in the pictures." The trend towards online cattle markets continues to grow, providing a convenient and safer option for buyers and sellers during the festive season. 

Published in The Express Tribune, June 7^th, 2024.