If everything can be bought online, why not goats? As almost anything can be bought online these days be it electronics, medicines and clothing to groceries and even livestock. In Asia, more specifically in Pakistan, India and Bangladesh where agriculture plays a significant role in many economies, an interesting trend has emerged: people are indeed buying goats online for Eid. What once might have sounded like a joke is now a legitimate and growing part of the e-commerce landscape in countries such as India, Pakistan, Indonesia, and Bangladesh, and this trend is growing faster than you can imagine.
Buying goats online isn’t as bizarre as it might seem. In many Asian countries, goats are culturally and economically important, especially during religious events such as Eid al-Adha, when millions of goats are purchased for sacrificial purposes. Traditionally, this process involved visiting livestock markets in person. However, the rise of e-commerce platforms, mobile apps, and social media marketplaces has transformed the way buyers and sellers interact.
In countries like Pakistan and India, several dedicated online platforms have emerged to facilitate the sale of livestock. Websites such as OLX, Bakrasonline.com, and Goatwala offer listings for goats, complete with photos, breed information, age, weight, and price. Buyers can browse through the options, contact sellers, negotiate, and even arrange for home delivery or pick-up — all without stepping foot in a dusty animal market.
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this shift. Lockdowns, health concerns, and social distancing measures pushed both sellers and buyers to adopt online alternatives. E-commerce platforms saw a spike in livestock sales during religious festivals in 2020 and 2021, and the trend has continued even after restrictions were lifted. Consumers found that buying goats online was not only convenient but also allowed them to compare prices and breeds more easily.
In Southeast Asia, especially in Indonesia and Malaysia, similar platforms have gained popularity. In Indonesia, apps like Ternaknesia allow users to invest in livestock farming or buy animals directly. Some even offer tracking systems, so customers can monitor the growth and health of the goat before it’s delivered. This level of transparency and convenience is appealing to younger, tech-savvy consumers.
Still, the practice isn’t without challenges. For one, the quality and health of goats can be difficult to judge from photos alone. There’s always a risk of fraud or disappointment upon delivery. Some buyers prefer a hybrid approach: selecting a goat online, then visiting the seller in person to inspect the animal before completing the purchase. Additionally, in rural areas with limited internet access, traditional markets remain the norm.
Yet, as internet access expands and trust in online transactions grows, it’s likely that the digital goat market will continue to thrive. Sellers benefit from a broader customer base, while buyers appreciate the convenience and time saved.
In conclusion, yes — people do buy goats online in Asia, and it’s becoming increasingly common. With cultural traditions, evolving technology, and changing consumer behavior coming together, what was once an unusual concept is now part of a modern livestock economy.
