With the digital revolution in Bangladesh, online shopping is on the rise. By doing this, people are saving time as well as getting the product of their choice while sitting at home. In today's busy world and the Covid-19 pandemic situation, going to the market to buy and sell cattle has become a huge hazard. That is why the cattle market in Bangladesh targeting Eid-ul-Azha goes online. However, selling cattle online during the Eid season has become a norm for the last few years. But it got focused on last year due to the pandemic.

Previously, different online platforms and private organizations were involved in selling cattle online. But this year Bangladesh government has taken the initiative named 'Digitalhaat' for the online cattle market.

Read Digital Cattle Markets in Bangladesh to Buy Sacrificing Animals Online

What is Digital Haat?

Digital Haat is mainly an online marketplace to buy and sell cattle online during the Eid-ul-Azha. However, it also remains active around the year. Due to the pandemic, Digital hats have been organized since last year. However, this year it is expected to get a massive hit. Last year, 27,000 cattle were sold, and this year the government has a target to sell more to sell one lac animals this year.

The e-commerce association of Bangladesh and Bangladesh Dairy Farm Association are implementing this year's digital haat under Dhaka North City Corporation as per the directions of the Ministry of Commerce.

However, it is mainly organized by Dhaka North City Corporation, but dwellers from other areas can also access it. Apart from this, other municipalities of the country will be able to use this platform if they decide to go online. The good thing about buying cows and other cattle online is that you can save time as well as you don't need to 'Hasil' either.

Read Digital Haat 2021 launched with target to sell 1 lakh cattle before Eid

How does Digitalhat Work?

It works like another e-commerce site. Sellers can list their cattle with the description, which will be visible to the prospective buyers.

If you are a buyer, you can check the cattle under different categories. You can sort the animals as per individual seller and the farms and other online marketplaces. Furthermore, you can talk with the owner or the organization if you like any cattle. You will find the phone number under the seller's name. Moreover, you will find all the related information with the advertisement.

However, if you select any cattle from any e-commerce site, you can pay online and get your cattle. The e-commerce will not get the payment until they deliver it; that is how your payment remains safe. The government will ensure it through the escrow system. Once you order and make the payment govt. Will hold it for you and release the payment after you receive the goods.

READ: Special cattle trains ahead of Eid-ul-Azha

Apart from ordering cattle, you can also book a slaughtering service. From last years' experience, online butcher booking has been arranged in this year's market. A maximum of one thousand animals will be sacrificed in the slaughterhouse. From there, the meat will be delivered to the buyer by 26 air-conditioned vehicles. 

Live animals or meat, whatever is delivered, will be priced by the seller. No separate charge can be taken from the buyer in this regard. However, the buyer will have to book the slaughtering service by July 10. E-Cab will settle any disputes between buyers and sellers.

Digital Cattle Market in Different Districts around Bangladesh

The online cattle market is getting popular in different parts of the country. Due to the lockdown, physical cattle markets might not be allowed. Hence, the online market is the only solution. With that note, many districts have been adopting online haat culture. 

Read Enough cattle in Bangladesh for sacrifices during Eid: DLS

For example, a page called Sreepur Online Pashur Hat has already been launched under the supervision of Sreepur Upazila Nirbahi Officer following the government directives to avoid the huge gathering and risk of the haat.

District administration of Chuadanga has also taken the initiative for the online cattle market. A Facebook page named 'Online Pashuhaat, Chuadanga' has already been opened to buy and sell cattle online during Eid-ul-Adha 2021.

Read Sacrificial animals: Chuadanga goes online again.

Other Non-Government Initiatives

Apart from government-monitored 'digitalhaat,' many e-commerce sites have also taken the initiative to sell cattle online. However, it is not new for e-commerce companies as they have been selling cattle online for the last few years.

Bikroy.com

Bikroy.com (www.bikroy.com) has been selling cows and goats for several years with a campaign called 'Birat Haat.' It also arranges the partner for the 'Kurbani.' If the buyer wants, he can get the cash on delivery or pay the price after checking the delivery.

Daraz

Daraz (https://www.daraz.com.bd/) has been selling cattle for Eid since 2016 through a campaign called 'Gorur Hat.' They are giving the opportunity to buy and see the live weight, color, teeth, etc., of the cows and watch the pictures as well as videos of the farms and cows.

Read Sufficient sacrificial animals available in Faridpur despite pandemic

Othoba.com

Pran-RFL Group's e-commerce company (www.othoba.com) has been selling cattle under the title 'Online Kurbanir Haat' since 2020.

shooddho.com

This online organic food platform is guaranteeing the supply of organic cows raised by the farmers. They directly serve as a platform for farmers. According to the company, they market the products of farmers-fishermen-weavers on the basis of the product price and not market price. In that case, even if the market price is low, they give importance to the product price. Dividends are later shared. They are following the same policy in the case of cattle. The company has arranged to show live videos as well as pictures of the cows. Home delivery is also free.

Other online cattle markets in Bangladesh

Vendors from different parts of the country are posting pictures of their cattle on ajkerdeal.com. DesiGuru.com (www.deshigoru.com) is selling sacrificial animals online. 'Madol' (fb.com/madolzonebd) is arranging cattle in a healthy way during this Covid-19 situation. The organization will provide all kinds of assistance, from buying the animal to cutting the meat and delivering it home. Another company, Hexatrading (fb.com/hexatrading) is taking full responsibility for the sacrifice and preparation of the meat. They have their own animal slaughterhouse.

Read Khulna braces for shortage of sacrificial animals ahead of Eid-ul-Azha