In a pioneering move, Kerala will soon launch India’s first exclusive online marketplace dedicated to the buying and selling of pets and other livestock. The initiative aims to streamline the trading process, ensuring transparency, ease of access, and secure transactions for both buyers and sellers across the state.
The innovative platform, to be developed under the aegis of Kerala Livestock Development Board (KLDB), will bridge the gap between sellers and buyers, offering a reliable space where pet enthusiasts, livestock farmers, and traders can connect with ease. It guarantees price transparency, promotes fair trade practices, and ensures that all transactions adhere to regulatory guidelines.
As per official details, KLDB has approached Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) for selecting a startup for developing the online marketplace. “The digital revolution is offering immense opportunities in different verticals. The livestock and pet market has been traditionally based on physical interactions for buying and selling animals. The online marketplace dedicated to trading all kinds of livestock, including cattle, goats, sheep, poultry, as well as dogs, cats, pet birds, and other domestic animals will bridge the gap between sellers and buyers, ensuring transparency, ease of access, and secure transactions,” said a senior official of KLDB.
One of the standout features of the platform will be animal welfare and responsible trading. Every animal listed on the platform will require health certifications issued by authorised veterinarians, ensuring the wellbeing of the animals and instilling confidence among buyers. The certification process also aims to curb the illegal and unethical trading of animals, promoting a more responsible and sustainable market environment.
The platform is designed to be user-friendly, with simple navigation tools and categorised listings to facilitate easy searches. Buyers can view detailed descriptions, images, and health status reports of animals before making informed decisions. Sellers, on the other hand, benefit from a transparent pricing structure and direct communication channels with potential buyers, ensuring a smooth and trustworthy transaction process.
“The platform will leverage technology for improving market access and regulatory compliance. It will also incorporate educational resources about ethical animal care and trading practices, aiming to foster a culture of responsible ownership and trade. The platform will undergo regular audits to ensure compliance with health and safety standards,” the officials said.
The marketplace is expected to significantly boost the state’s pet and livestock economy, benefiting small-scale farmers, breeders, and animal lovers while setting a new benchmark for responsible trading practices.
Startups which are interested in partnering with KLDB for developing the marketplace can submit their expression of interest on or before March 16 through the KSUM portal.
