Siam Ahmed:

Eid-ul-Azha, the second largest festival of the Muslims is knocking at the door. In anticipation of the occasion, cattle markets in Sirajganj district have started thriving.

The market grounds are now buzzing with the shouts of buyers and sellers. Buyers say that, the prices of sacrificial animals are high this year as well. On the other hand, due to the high cost of cattle feed, farmers fear they may face losses.

This year, alongside nearly fifty permanent cattle markets, many temporary ones will also be set up across the district including in Kalia Kandapara, Katawabda, Talgachhi, Enayetpur, Shameshpur, Chandaikona, Bagbati, Ratankandi, Bohuli and Ullapara.

Every year, after meeting the local demand, well-fattened sacrificial animals from this district are supplied to different places of the country including Dhaka and Chattogram for sale. However, due to the increased cost of cattle feed compared to the previous years, production expenses have risen significantly. Farmers fear potential losses, if Indian cattle are entered into the country and freely sold in local markets eve of the Eid.

Dr. AKM Anwarul Haque Sobuz, Livestock Officer in Sirajganj said, “Around 650,000 sacrificial animals including bulls, oxen, cows, goats, buffaloes and sheepare ready across the district’s nine upazilas. However, the local demand is estimated at around 250,000 animals. The surplus livestock will be supplied to other districts for sale.”

He further said, “The demand of animals produced in the riverine Char areas is especially high across the country. The abundance of natural grass in those regions, cattle and goats are raised using traditional, organic methods making them more appealing to buyers from outside the district. After fulfilling local demand, animals are being transported to various major markets including Dhaka, Chattogram and Narayanganj.”

At the Talgachhi market, buyer Abul Hossain said, “The prices of medium-sized cattle seem higher than those of large ones. I came to buy a cow, but haven’t found one that suits my needs yet. If I can’t find the right one today, I’ll go to the next market.”

Alhaj Abdus Salam, a buyer at the Kandapara cattle market said, “I have bought a bull, but the prices are noticeably higher compared to last year.”

Abdul Hai, a farmer of Raghunathpur village in Sirajganj Sadar upazila said, I have reared 10 bulls at my own farm. Traders are offering Tk 2 million for all of them, which raises concern over a potential loss. Finally, I have come to the market with my cattle to verify the prices.”

Akhtar Mondal, leaseholder of the historic Kalia Kandapara cattle market in Sadar upazila said that, “All necessary security measures have been taken by the local administration to ensure the smooth operation of Qurbani cattle markets.”

He further mentioned that, veterinary teams from the Department of Livestock Services are actively working in the market to ensure the health and fitness of the animals. In addition, bank officials have been deployed on this site to help detecting counterfeit currency and preventing financial fraud.