Online sales of sacrificial animals is the solution

As Eid-ul-Azha draws near, the number of coronavirus cases and deaths is on a steady rise. On Monday, 164 persons died of coronavirus across the country in a matter of 24 hours. That has been the record so far. Another record created was 1000 deaths in 8 days. In order to contain the rampant spread of the virus, the government announced a seven-day strict lockdown. That has been extended by another seven days.

With plans and preparations for livestock markets (‘haats’) to sell sacrificial animals before Eid in full swing, there are doubts as to how effective this lockdown imposed by the government will be. Concerned persons estimate there will be 11 million (1 crore 10 lakh) animals slaughtered this Eid. Last year, 9.5 million (95 lakh) animals were slaughtered for Eid-ul-Azha. The crowds that these livestock markets will draw, will give rise to an alarming spread of the virus, it is apprehended.

What is to be done in such a situation? The spread of coronavirus must be obstructed at any cost. At the same time, religious tenets cannot be ignored. The best alternative in that case is to organise online livestock markets. There were online sales of sacrificial animals last year, but that was relatively low. Of the 10 million (1 crore) animals offered for sale online, 26,900 were sold. In this backdrop, a digital livestock market was inaugurated by means of a virtual event on Sunday. A number of ministers were present at the event.

At the directives of the commerce ministry, the digital ‘haat’ has been organised by e-CAB and Bangladesh Dairy Farmers Association, under the Dhaka North City Corporation. Other than that, till Saturday 707 digital platforms have been carrying out the buying and selling of cows, goats and other sacrificial animals. Fisheries and livestock minister SM Rezaul Karim said that campaigns are being run at a district and upazila level to promote digital ‘haats’.

People have doubts and misgivings about digital ‘haats’, thinking they may be duped. It is hoped that the customers will be reassured when they are shown online the live weight, colour, teeth, etc, of the animal they intend to buy. Certain platforms have been posting up pictures and details of the animals on social media.

If proper marketing and supervision can be ensured, the buyers will be encouraged to buy online.

Daraaz has been selling qurbani animals online since 2017, through their ‘Gorur Haat’ campaign. They give the customers the opportunity to see the cow’s live weight, colour, teeth, etc, as well as show a video of the farm and the cow.

Pran-RFL has been selling sacrificial animals through their ‘online qurbani haat’ since 2020. There are several other platforms too. The local administration, including the city corporations, should encourage such digitals markets.

According to media reports, Dhaka North and South city corporations plan to set up 23 temporary and one permanent livestock market in the city. But we feel in these pandemic times, digital ‘haats’ should be promoted instead. Bangladesh is going through dark days. Nothing should be done to exacerbate the spread of the virus further.