Recently, with the rapid development of India’s online economy, more and more Indian startups have emerged to help farmers invest in cows online. This new online cattle trading model has brought great convenience to cattle farmers and herders in India. According to statistics, India has about 75 million dairy farmers and more than 300 million cows and buffaloes. However, the traditional cattle trading market is inefficient and costly. Therefore, online cattle trading platforms have sprung up in the past few years, aiming to formalize the fragmented cattle market in India.
Online cattle trading platforms help farmers save time and money
In the past, Indian farmers had to go to crowded cattle fairs to buy and sell cows, which was time-consuming and expensive. They had to pay various fees and transport costs. There were also risks of cattle theft and fraud. With online platforms like Animall and Pashushala, farmers can search for and purchase cows nationwide. They can browse pictures, videos and detailed information like breed, age, milk yield, temperament, etc. By cutting out middlemen, farmers can save at least 10% to 20% of costs. The online check and verification system also reduces risks of fraud.
online cattle trading provides more transparency
Traditional cattle trading relied on farmers’ visual inspection and negotiations. Cattle conditions and quality were not transparent. Sometimes traders use steroids or other drugs to make cattle look healthier. Online trading platforms require sellers to provide certification, medical reports and detailed information like pregnancy history and milk yield records. Both sellers and buyers can also access each other’s profiles and ratings. Thus the online model makes cattle trading more transparent.
Digital model helps formalize a fragmented market
Currently, over 75% of cattle trading in India is informal and fragmented. There is no large-scale or nationwide marketplace. Online platforms like Animall, which has facilitated over 1 million cattle sales since 2019, are trying to consolidate and formalize this market. They aim to become the standard national trading venue for cattle farmers and dairy companies. It helps regulate pricing and standardize the information required for cattle transactions. The increased transparency and convenience have gained the trust of many farmers.
New technology may improve efficiency and sustainability
Innovative startups are also exploring the use of technology to make India’s dairy sector more efficient and sustainable. For example, some platforms provide online veterinarian consulting to help farmers improve cattle care. Others use big data and AI to analyze cattle genetics to recommend optimal breeding and selection. These technologies can potentially improve cattle quality and milk productivity for Indian farmers. If the online model succeeds, it may significantly upgrade traditional practices and make India’s huge dairy industry more modernized.
In summary, India’s emerging online cattle trading platforms are bringing great convenience and transparency to cattle farmers. It saves time and costs, reduces risks, and helps consolidate a fragmented market. With policy support, this digital model could potentially transform traditional cattle farming and trading, boost productivity and sustainability of India’s massive dairy industry.