Sacrificial sheep become dearer in Tiruchi ahead of Bakrid

The price of sacrificial livestock, especially sheep, has gone up ahead of Id-ul-Adha (Bakrid) on June 7.

The price of sacrificial livestock, especially sheep, has gone up ahead of Id-ul-Adha (Bakrid) on June 7.

Farms that specialise in rearing semmari aadu (sheep) and weekly cattle markets are seeing an increase in footfall from customers in Tiruchi as Bakrid draws closer.

The animals are slaughtered in a ritual known as Qurbani and the meat is shared among family members, friends, and the needy.

“We are selling sheep weighing 27 kg to 60 kg to buyers from Tiruchi. Prices range between ₹490 to ₹600 a kg, depending on the weight and type of animal. The trade is much better this year, because customers are willing to spend upwards of ₹13,000 per sheep,” M. Basheer Ahmed, proprietor, Maryam Goat Farm at Thirumalai Samuthiram village, told The Hindu.

“We deal in Mayilambadi, Mecheri, and Ettayapuram Pottu Kutty sheep. For an additional fee, we slaughter the animals on Bakrid day at our farm and prepare it for distribution for the customer,” said Mr. Ahmed.

Besides sheep, the goat, cow, or camel can be eligible for Qurbani. “The practice of seven individuals sharing the sacrifice of a cow or camel has become common in Tiruchi as it is cost-effective. Shares in larger animals are priced upwards of ₹3,000 a person this year, and have many takers in the city,” said N. Jamaluddin, a resident.

To keep costs low, some residents purchase a kid at goat farms soon after Bakrid and allow them to be reared there before they can be slaughtered in the following year. “I invested ₹9,000 in a kid goat in 2024, and will be claiming it for Qurbani this year. The goat will weigh up to 25 kg and will yield enough meat for sharing,” said Shahul Hamid.