Lalmonirhat: Cattle markets in the district have gained momentum ahead of the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha, the second-largest festival of the Muslims. A large number of cows, goats, buffaloes, and sheep have already been taken to the district’s traditional Barobari Haat and other livestock markets.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, after meeting the local demands, the district will also play an important role in meeting the needs of sacrificial animals in other regions of the country. The weekly livestock markets in five upazilas of the northern district have now become the main points for buying and selling livestock. These markets are usually held every week and play an important role in the local economy, including Durakuti, Nawaber Hat (BDR Haat), Nayarhat, Sialkhwa, Chaparhat, Daikhawa, Barakhata, and Barabari Haat.
Barobari Haat, one of the traditional cattle markets of the district, is held twice a week, on Wednesdays and Sundays. The entire market was filled to the brim with cattle before 9 am on Wednesday. Although the price of cattle ranges from Taka 50,000 to 3,00,000, buyers are interested in medium-sized cattle.
Mohammad Ali, who came to buy cattle, mentioned that he came to the market a few days before Eid because the price of cattle is relatively high in the run-up to Eid. He bought a cow for Taka 80,000, noting that the price seemed a bit high. Swaib Ali, another buyer, purchased a cow for Qurbani at Taka 72,000, sharing the cost with others due to the economic downturn. Kamal Hossain, a buyer, acquired a goat at Taka 12,000, observing many goats in the market.
Abul Hossain, a farmer from Phulbari Upazila in Kurigram, brought four cows to the market, selling three medium-sized cows at a good price, while the big cow remained unsold. Some buyers, like Nazmul Islam from Panchagram Union, complained about the high prices, deciding to buy cows in advance. Anisul Haque, a cattle trader, expressed optimism about making a profit by selling a small cow right before Eid.
Ashraful Islam, a farmer from Barabari Union, brought three cows weighing 8 to 9 maunds, expecting each to fetch up to Taka 2,20,000, but the buyers were not willing to pay that price. Cattle trader Abul Hossain observed that buyers are more interested in medium-sized cows, priced between Taka 70,000 and 100,000, due to economic uncertainty.
Afsar Mia, a farmer from Sadar Upazila, noted the significant increase in production costs for cows compared to last year. Security measures have been strengthened at the market, with preparations made for counterfeit note detection machines, smooth transportation, and law and order.
District Livestock Officer Dr. Md. Jahangir Alam confirmed that most farmers have fattened their cows naturally, with a medical team in place to ensure no sick or unhealthy cows are sold. The number of sacrificial animals in the district may exceed 230,000, with thousands of animals expected to be supplied outside the district to meet the needs of other areas.
As Eid approaches, medium-sized cows have become the main focus in the cattle markets of Lalmonirhat, surpassing large cows in popularity.