The centuries-old tradition of raising white cows in Mirkadim of Munshiganj. Photo: BSS

MUNSHIGANJ, May 16, 2026 (BSS) - The centuries-old tradition of raising white cows in Mirkadim of Munshiganj continues to thrive despite rising production costs and a declining number of farmers.

Mirkadim’s famous white cows, known for their completely white appearance from eyelids to hooves, remain highly sought after across the country, particularly among affluent buyers from Old Dhaka who prefer them for Eid-ul-Azha sacrifices.

For generations, buyers from Old Dhaka have travelled to Mirkadim in Sadar upazila ahead of Eid to reserve their preferred cattle. The cows are later delivered to buyers in time for the festival.

These distinctive white cows are traditionally sold at Gani Mia Hat in Rahmatganj, Dhaka. Since 1933, authorities of the cattle market have reportedly reserved a special area for farmers from Munshiganj due to the strong demand for the animals.

Farmers usually bring the cattle to the market two days before Eid and display them under temporary sheds. The cattle are known not only for their unique white-pinkish complexion but also for their calm temperament and reputedly flavorful meat.

However, local farmers say maintaining the tradition has become increasingly difficult.

Swapan, a farmer from Kasba area of Mirkadim Municipality, said the rising cost of cattle feed and labor shortages have made rearing white cows expensive. 

According to him, feeding a single cow grain-based feed without raw grass costs nearly Taka 500 per day.

“Earlier, more than 200 farmers in Mirkadim and surrounding areas were involved in raising white cattle. Now only around 10 to 15 farms are continuing the practice,” he said.

Farmers often purchase white cattle from different parts of the country and raise them for nearly a year before Eid. Many former cattle rearers have reportedly shifted to other professions due to the high maintenance costs.

Another farmer, Md. Safin Dewan, said the cattle are raised naturally with great care and without the use of medicines or injections. The cows are fed various nutritious items including pulses, oil-cake, rice bran, wheat bran, boiled rice, and grains.

“These cows are raised like our own children,” he said, adding that the meat quality and appearance of the cattle continue to attract buyers.

Longtime buyers from Old Dhaka also expressed their attachment to the tradition.

A cloth merchant from Nazirabazar in Dhaka said his family has been purchasing white cows from Mirkadim for nearly 50 years for Eid sacrifices.

“The cows are beautiful to look at, and their meat is very tasty,” he said.

Md. Shaheen, owner of Shaheen Agrofarm, said he has prepared around 60 white cows for this year’s Eid market, with many buyers already paying advance deposits.

Farm worker Habibur Rahman, who has been employed at the farm for about a decade, said the cows are cared for with affection, bathed regularly, and fed multiple times daily before being taken to Gani Mia Hat ahead of Eid.

District Livestock Officer Dr. MA Jalil said the livestock office is providing regular support to white cattle farmers through advice, vaccinations, and deworming medicines to help preserve the longstanding tradition.