Hyderabad is experiencing a notable increase in livestock prices as Bakrid (Eid-ul-Adha) approaches. This year, the cost of sheep has risen considerably due to several reasons, including bad weather and stricter animal transport rules.
In city markets, a pair of sheep now sells for Rs 26,000 to Rs 32,000, which is about Rs 8,000 more than last year’s prices. For example, last year, a medium-sized pair cost Rs 20,000 to Rs 25,000, but now it’s around Rs 30,000. Cattle prices range from Rs 50,000 to Rs 2 lakh. These higher prices are making Muslim families carefully search for affordable options for their ritual sacrifices.
Traders have set up roadside stalls in areas like Falaknuma, Chandrayanagutta, Barkas, and others, hoping to sell their stock before the festival on Saturday.
Heavy rainfall has affected sheep arriving in the city, prompting traders to use halogen bulbs to keep them dry. Shahid Ali from Saidabad bought a pair of sheep for Rs 32,000 at Jalpally market, noting a price jump from last year’s Rs 24,000. A trader from Shadnagar explained the new strict rules requiring livestock to be examined and certified fit for sale.
Livestock is sourced from local markets like Jalpally and Jiyaguda, and districts such as Singichella, Bhongir, Nalgonda, and others. Animals also arrive from states like Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh.
At Jalpally, Abubakar Bin Mohammed, a trader of the Nellore breed, noted a price increase, selling a pair for Rs 60,000, up 25% from last year. Other breeds like Telangana Potla, Dumba, Kadga, Nasi, Khassi, Menda, and Jamunapuri are available. The Khassi breed can cost between Rs 60,000 to Rs 1 lakh, as it is often raised as a pet in rural Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.
Maulana Mohammed Rizwan Qureshi, Khatib of Mecca Masjid, clarified age and health rules for sacrificial animals. Sheep or goats must be over one year old, and bulls, oxen, or buffaloes over two years, with all animals free from defects.
