LUCKNOW, June 3 -- With Eid-ul-Adha (Bakrid) just days away, Lucknow's goat markets are alive with activity as buyers scour for the finest breeds. From the sturdy Barbari to the regal Hansa, customers are drawn to unique features, beauty, build, and rarity, with prices already soaring. The Barbari breed commands Rs.1 lakh, while the Hansa fetches around Rs.75,000, yet neither is the most expensive. Sellers claim that as the festival nears, rates for both high-end and affordable breeds will climb sharply.

The real showstoppers, however, are the Beetal and African Boer breeds, which dominate the premium segment. Averaging between Rs.4-5 lakh, these goats can even sell for several lakhs, depending on demand.

Ghazanfar Abbas, a seasoned goa...