Cumilla: High hasil (service tax), security concerns, and the hassle of transporting and keeping sacrificial animals are driving many buyers in Cumilla city to purchase cattle directly from farms ahead of Eid-ul-Azha.
According to United News of Bangladesh, farm owners and buyers have noted a growing trend over the past few years of purchasing sacrificial animals directly from farms instead of traditional cattle markets. The Cumilla district administration has warned that no one will be allowed to collect hasil beyond the fixed rates, and legal action will be taken against any irregularities.
A visit to Farid Agro Farm along the Cumilla-Suagazi road at Kamalpur in Cumilla Sadar South upazila revealed cattle being raised in a clean environment with locally sourced feed. The farm currently houses around 30 saleable cattle, all of which are of the local Shahiwal breed. Prices range from Tk 3 lakh to Tk 10 lakh, with the farm's largest bull, "Rajababu," weighing over 1,000 kg and priced at Tk 10 lakh.
Farm authorities have highlighted that easy transportation, hygienic conditions, and doorstep delivery services are attracting more buyers. Khaled Monsur Imon, manager of Farid Agro Farm, explained that many city residents are opting for farms due to the difficulties of keeping and feeding cattle at home. "Several cattle have already been sold. Some buyers will receive delivery a day before Eid, while others will get their animals on Eid day," he stated.
Mohammad Ziaul Haque Litu, director of JH Agro Park at Dhanuakhola under Kalirbazar union of Sadar upazila, mentioned that cattle sales from his farm have increased compared to last year. "The main reasons are the hassle of keeping cattle and buyers' desire for healthy animals," he noted.
Ahmed Shoaib Sohel, secretary of Cumilla Club, who purchased a cow from a farm, appreciated the convenience of buying cattle from farms. "Purchasing cattle from markets requires time and effort, while there are also concerns over animal health and accommodation. So, I bought a sacrificial animal in advance from a farm. They will deliver it to my house on Eid morning," he said.
Additional District Livestock Officer Dr Mohammad Ismail Hossain informed that medical teams are actively working to prevent the sale of sick animals in cattle markets. "This year, 85 medical teams will work at more than 400 cattle markets across the district," he detailed, adding that many buyers now prefer farms to avoid crowds and inconvenience.
Cumilla Deputy Commissioner Md Reza Hasan assured that authorities are making efforts to ensure security at cattle markets and to prevent the circulation of counterfeit currency. He mentioned that cattle markets are restricted from operating on school and college grounds and along highways. "No one will be allowed to collect hasil beyond the approved rates. Legal action will be taken against any irregularities," the Deputy Commissioner emphasized.