Cattle markets getting vibrant in Rajshahi

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RAJSHAHI, Aug 4, 2018 (BSS) – Ahead of the Eid-ul-Azha, the second largest
religious festival for the Muslims, cattle markets in the city and nine
upazilas of the district along with its adjacent areas are getting vibrant
with numerous buyers and hundreds of sacrificial animals.

A huge number of sacrificial animals are being brought for sale at
different cattle markets like City haat, Naohata haat, Baneswar haat, Keshor
haat, Kanthakhali haat, Rajabari haat, Kakonhat, Mohisalbari haat and
Machmoil haat.

Rajshahi City Corporation (RCC) allowed installation of eight makeshift
cattle markets in the metropolis which began to draw huge cattle, including
imported ones from India.

Dr Talha Jamil, district unit secretary of Bangladesh Dairy Farmers
Association, said there are large numbers of domestic animals for sacrificial
in the region. Demands could be fulfilled with local animals.

He said there were plenty of supplies of cattle in the markets and their
prices were similar to the last Eid-ul-Azha.

Talking to BSS, Dr Zulfikar Akhter Hossain, District Livestock Officer,
said there are more than 17,000 big or small cattle rearing and beef
fattening farms in the region Local animal husbandry sector has marked a
revolutionary boost in recent years.

Both rural and urban areas, the poor and marginalized people including
women have achieved tremendous successes in the sector getting various
assistances from the government and development partners, he added.

Abdul Awal, a dairy owner of Bargachhi, said the producers have adopted
new and improved practices and technologies in bull rearing and fattening
contributing to enhanced production and productivity.

Currently, the price of an ideal sized cow or buffalo ranges starts from
Taka 30,000 to 80,000 and a sheep or goat from Taka 8,000 to 25,000.

This year, the demand for domestic animals for sacrificial purposes
seemingly increased as the wholesalers are sending large animal consignments
to different big markets from Rajshahi. The price of sacrificial animals was
steady but the price may shoot up a bit because of the soaring price of
animal food and transport cost this year.

The farmers said because of high prices of fodder, many farm owners sold
their cattle and opted for other trades as it was not possible for the
farmers to gain profit in this business.

Meanwhile, all-out security measures were taken to check law and order in
and around all the cattle markets.