Ajmer's prized goat breeds: From local pastures to Dubai's tables

Time of India

04-06-2025

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Ajmer: As the festive season of Eid ul-Adha approaches this Saturday, the goat market in Ajmer is witnessing an unprecedented surge in activity. With male goats from this region in high demand across cities like Dubai, Mumbai and Ahmedabad, local traders are gearing up for a bustling season ahead.
The Ajmer Bakra Mandi, located at Daurai on Beawar Road, is the largest male goat market in Rajasthan, covering a sprawling 10 hectare. Here, the distinctive breeds of goats such as Mewari, Sojat, Gujjari and Ajmeri are particularly sought after, both domestically and internationally.
According to Amba Lal Daima, the president of the goat market, "The breed of goats from this place is in high demand, especially in overseas markets."
Most notably, a single order of 3,000 goats from Dubai is keeping local traders busy, with the animals set to be transported by air to the Gulf nation.
"These goats are special," explains Suresh Gujjar, a local seller. "They graze on roots and herbs in the hills, giving their meat a distinct taste that buyers can't find elsewhere." This unique feeding pattern has made breeds like Sojat, Jafari, Barbari and Jamnapari particularly sought after.
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The market, which typically sees daily sales of 5,000-6,000 goats, is now witnessing doubled numbers as Eid approaches. Mumbai alone has already received 10,000 male goats, with more orders in the pipeline. Prices range from Rs 20,000 to a premium of Rs 1.80 lakh for the finest specimens, claim the traders.
In an interesting twist, the market has developed its own unique naming convention. Traders assign popular names like Salman, Shahrukh and Ameer to different goats, creating a shorthand system for quality and characteristics.
"It helps buyers quickly identify the type of goat they're looking for," says Iqbal Ahmed, the market's vice-president.
Despite rising costs of fodder driving up prices, with average good quality goats now costing around Rs 60,000, the market continues to thrive. For goat farmers, this festival season represents a crucial opportunity for profitable sales of their breeding stock.
"While we receive orders from across India - including Jaipur, Delhi and various cities in Uttar Pradesh - the sheikhs of Dubai remain our primary international customers," Ahmed adds, highlighting the global reach of this local market.