Sale of sacrificial animals has begun in the cattle markets of the country’s northern region with over 22.5 lakh surplus cattle as Eid-ul-Azha, one of the biggest religious festivals of Muslims, is approaching nearer.
Cattle farmers of different districts in the northern region (Rajshahi and Rangpur divisions) have started selling sacrificial animals such as cows, goats, buffaloes and sheep for Eid-ul-Azha festival.
The ban on cross-border import mainly from neighbouring India has pushed up the demand for local cattle and as a result, cattle farmers of the country are expecting good profit this year.
However, some cattle farmers told the Bangladesh Post that they are very much worried as a syndicate of traders are trying to manipulate cattle markets for their gains.
On the other hand, some traders brushed aside allegation sayinh cattle are already selling at very high prices in the markets.
According to livestock officials, there is huge surplus animals in Rajshahi and Rangpur divisions this year. Rajshahi alone has raised 43.44 lakh cattle, including 13.33 lakh cows and 25.88 lakh goats, surpassing the local demand for 26.55 lakh. The surplus cattle are likely to be sent to major cities like Dhaka, Chattogram and Sylhet
In Rangpur division, 19.80 lakh cattle have been raised, including six lakh cows and over 11 lakh goats against the demand for 14 lakh animals, suggesting a surplus of 5.68 lakh cattle. The surplus animals will be sent to major urban markets.
Nearly 600 cattle markets (permanent and makeshift ones) are set to run across the country’s northern region. The authorities concerned have taken adequate security measures in the cattle markets.
Dr. Md Abdul Hye Sarker, Director of the Rangpur Divisional Livestock Office, said that no cattle have been imported from India this year as a measure to tighten surveillance along the border.
“There are eight districts in Rangpur division and seven of them border India. Strict surveillance is in place there to prevent illegal imports,” he said.
Dr. Md Atoar Rahman, District Livestock Officer of Rajshahi, stressed the need for ensuring fair price for cattle farmers. He said that hygiene will be ensured at all cattle markets and there will be veterinary medical teams there.
Local farmers say that they have spent a lot of money on purchasing feed and taking care of their cattle with a hope making good profit. “Feed prices have nearly doubled. If this continues, it’ll be hard to make a profit,” said Mizanur Rahman, a cattle farmer from Rajshahi’s Paba upazila.
Farmer Sajjad Hossain said, “If imports remain restricted, local farmers will get good prices.”
Some traders said that at present, small and medium-sized cattle are in good demand in the market. Large animals usually arrive in the market a week before Eid and they are sold at premium prices.
Leaseholders of Rajshahi’s City Hat have announced daily operations last week before Eid-ul-Azha. They, along with other market stakeholders, urge the authorities to install booths to detect fake currency notes.
A recent meeting between Rajshahi City Hat officials, Police Commissioner and Bangladesh Bank representatives highlighted the importance to set up a dedicated currency verification booth in markets to prevent financial risks for traders.
