Maharashtra: Madgyal sheep gets an offer of Rs 70 lakh

Pune (PTI):

A Madgyal breed sheep, known for its unique appearance and superior meat quality, has got an offer of Rs 70 lakh from a buyer in Maharashtra's Sangli district, while its owner has quoted a price of Rs 1.5 crore.

The Madgyal breed sheep, inhabitants of Jat tehsil in Sangli, are taller, larger and have a higher growth rate than other breeds. Hence, they are in great demand among breeders.

Babu Metkari, a shepherd having a flock over 200 sheep in Atpadi tehsil of Sangli, was surprised when a buyer recently offered to buy one of his Madgyal sheep for Rs 70 lakh, though he did not wish to sell his prized possession.

"This sheep's real name is Sarja, but it was re-christened 'Modi' after people likened him to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the way he won all elections and became PM of the country. Sarja, too, showed its dominance and ruled every fair and market it was taken," the proud owner said.

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Metkari said as Sarja is a "lucky charm" for him and his family, he does not want to sell it.

"We have been into the live-stock rearing business for two to three generations but in the last two years, we gained real profits just because of Sarja. A lamb bred by this sheep were sold between Rs 5 lakh to Rs 10 lakh," he claimed.

Maharashtra Sheep and Goat Development Corporation's assistant director Dr Sachin Tekade said in view of special qualities of the Madgyal breed, its utility, high demand and better adaptability to harsh drought-prone climate, the animal husbandry department has decided to revive the breed. (PTI)

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