Bhola cattle markets bustle as Eid-ul-Azha approaches

The district has 103,000 animals ready against a demand of 81,180

Buying and selling has picked up pace at cattle markets across Bhola district as Eid-ul-Azha closes in.

Locally reared cattle, buffalo and goats are drawing the most interest, with farmers relieved to see strong demand for naturally raised animals free of fattening agents.

Farmers and traders from different Upazilas have been bringing their animals to markets across the district, with crowds growing by the day.

Buyers are hopping between markets, comparing prices before settling on their preferred animal.

Markets visited across the district, including Ilishar Hat, Paranganj, Gazaria, Ghuingarhat, Velumiyarhat, Bankerhat, Bangla Bazar, Charfesson, Lalmohan and Burhanuddin, showed strong demand for locally bred cattle of all sizes, with native breeds proving the most popular.

Farmers say feed and care costs have risen this year, and they are hoping prices will reflect that.

Farmer Md Ali of Rajpur Union in Bhola Sadar Upazila, who has been rearing and selling sacrificial animals for about 14 years, said this year's feed costs had been higher than usual.

"I am hoping for a good price. If I get one, I can pay off the debt I took on to rear the cattle.”

Cattle seller Md Kausar of Gazaria market said he had spent around Tk 150,000 buying and caring for his animals. "If I get a bit of profit on top, I will sell," he said.

Buyer Md Kamal Chowdhury said he was looking for healthy, naturally reared animals and was shopping around.

"We are waiting to buy. We are going from one market to another looking for the right cattle. If we find the right price, we will buy," he added.

District livestock officer Md Rafiqul Islam Khan said adequate animals are ready to meet Eid demand across the district. Health checks and market supervision are being carried out at all venues.

"Bhola's demand stands at 81,180 animals but around 103,000 are ready, including 65,271 cattle. After meeting local demand, preparations are under way to sell the surplus to other districts.”

A total of 49 medical teams have been formed to cover around 50 permanent and temporary markets across the district, he added.