Friday 19 / April / 2024
Muscat: The demand for Somalian sheep has risen in Oman due to a severe shortage of the more popular Australian livestock this Eid.
Speaking to the Times of Oman, Naveed Ahmed, General Manager of Muscat Livestock Company, said, “While Australian sheep are usually more popular, this year some people will not be able to get them as there isn’t enough supply in the market. Many people will have to settle for Somalian sheep this year.”
According to Ahmed, Australian sheep were selling for OMR90 apiece compared to OMR38-40 for Somalian ones.
“Prices are a little higher this year but, as usual, demand has surged during this period. Customer numbers are the same as they were last year.”
Fresh meat from sheep is the main ingredient of many highly popular dishes in Oman.
The growing preference for Somalian sheep is seen across the Sultanate. In Jahlan Bani Bu Ali, where Omanis are preparing to cook traditional arseia with lamb for Eid, prices have dropped to OMR50 per sheep.
“Prices are low for livestock and have fallen to OMR50, while they were more than OMR70 in the past,” said Nasser Al Sunaidi, a resident of Jahlan.
Despite a change in their country of origin, sheep remain a highlight of the wilayat’s annual “habta” market. Alongside livestock, residents are flocking to the market this year to pick up local produce such as mangoes, nuts and sweets.
