Haryana's shrinking sex ratio has led to such a massive shortage of that girls have become products for sale. And the high demand for young brides has kept some age-old customs like bartering of girls alive among the Rod community even in today's tech age.

Marriage among this community is a barter system: Girls are exchanged for girls. Give one girl away and take another. Parents arrange marriages only with those families from whom they are sure to get their daughters-in-law to bring home.

Give one girl away, take one back. Marriage is a barter system among Rod community in Haryana.

"There are no girls in our community and because of the custom we follow, we have to have girls any how," says Gurmeet, a villager.

The usual excitement, mood and the adrenalin associated with marriage, is all there. But the dwindling female population is posing a big challenge to the community. There are only about 800 girls per 1000 boys in the village.

The sex ratio is so dismal that each household has at least three bachelors, still waiting to find a match. Women are aware of female foeticide, but they would rather laugh it off.

"We are helpless as there are no girls. But yes, women do go in for abortions quite frequently," says Isro, a bachelor.

"Female foeticide does exist, but our custom is such that we have to have girls," says Chanda Singh.

The process of bartering girls is called 'Roda'. Over time, it has transformed into nothing but an inter-community trafficking of young girls. Young girls are also bought for a price, which goes up to Rs 50 - Rs 60,000.

"The dwindling child sex ratio has also given teeth to local politicians, who have become agents of providing girls to the families at high costs. This has also become an issue in election campaigns," says Prem Singh, the village sarpanch.

"The shortage of young girls has made them market products. Young girls are in demand but their dignity is being bought and sold," adds Ganga Devi, lady sarpanch.