Sales of sacrificial animals at different cattle markets have gained momentum in Chuadanga as more buyers and sellers are now thronging the markets ahead of holy Eid-ul-Azha.
Traders and farmers said they are now getting good prices for the sacrificial animals. While visiting Sialmari, Dugdugi, Munshiganj and Alamdanga cattle markets in Chuadanga district, this correspondent found that rearers were happy with the cattle prices on Thursday.
Akubbar Hossain, a cattle trader of Senerhuda village in Jibannagar upazila, came to sell cattle at Sialmari market on Thursday. “The prices of cows and goats are relatively higher today [Thursday] compared to the past few days. Today I brought five cows to the market for sale. I sold the cows for a profit of Tk 15,000,” Akubbar said.
Hasor Ali, a cattle trader of Utholi village, said traders from different parts of the country, including Dhaka, came to the market on Thursday. Because of this, the prices of cattle are also high. “I brought five cows to the market. All the cows have been sold. The profit has also increased. If the prices of cows remain at the same level, cow rearers will benefit from it,” he said.
A buyer named Waliullah who came to buy animals at the market said, “Every year I buy cows from the farm. There are advantages in buying cows from farms. Cows can be kept there till Eid. There is no need to go through extra hassle of taking cattle home. But this year the price of cow is a little higher.”
Another buyer named Alauddin, who came to buy cows at the market, said, "I am looking for a medium-sized cow for sacrifice." This year, the price of per cow is Tk 20,000 to 30,000 higher. Since the sacrifice has to be done, the cow has to be bought at a higher price.”
Farmer Liakat Ali of Andulbaria village under Jibannagar upazila said, “I built a farm four years ago. There are total 20 cows in the farm. Of them, 18 cows have been prepared for sale. Farmers will benefit if cow prices remain at the current level in the market.”
Farmer Abdar Ali of Dumuria village of the same upazila said, “I built a farm five years ago as a hobby. Currently, I have 10 cows in my farm. Out of which I sold three cows. The rest of the cows are expected to be sold before Eid. If there is such a price, then I can profit.”
Farmer Abul Bashar of Lakshmipur village under Jibannagar upazila said, “I had 40 cows in my farm. I have already sold 35 cows for Tk 1.10 crore. I still have 10 cows in my farm. These cows are bigger in size. I can't say whether there will be profit or loss until they are sold. The price of food is much higher this year than last year.”
According to Chuadanga District Livestock Department, there are 10,917 farms in Chuadanga district. A total of 211,879 animals have been prepared for sale in these farms. This time the demand for sacrificial animals in the district is 1,58,856. Accordingly, there will be a surplus of 53,023 cattle after meeting the local demand. These animals will be supplied to Dhaka and other districts.
Jibannagar Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Hasina Mumtaz visited Shialmari cattle market on Thursday noon. The UNO checked whether the cattle market lessee is charging more than the government-fixed rate or not, and ordered the authorities concerned to keep the roads free of traffic to avoid public nuisance.
Chuadanga District Livestock Officer (Acting) Dr Md Mostafizur Rahman said farmers are now getting fair prices for the cattle.
Chuadanga Superintendent of Police RM Faizur Rahman said the mobile team of police is working to ensure security at the cattle markets. They are also working to prevent the flow of fake notes, he said.
