SIRAJGANJ, May 23: Sirajganj's cattle markets have become bustling ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, with 47 permanent and temporary cattle haats operating across the district. However, traders say demand is currently higher for medium-sized cattle, leaving farmers and large livestock owners in difficulty.
According to sources, around 47 cattle markets have been set up in the district this year for Eid. Major haats include Natua Para in Kazipur, Kalia Kandapara, Shaluvita and Ratan Kand in Sadar upazila, Kamarkhanda Sadar, Jamirta and Talgachi in Shahjadpur, Gasline, Boalia and Solonga in Ullapara, Chandaikona in Raiganj, Enaetpur in Chowhali, and Shomeshpur and Sohagpur in Belkuchi.
Buyers and traders from different parts of the country are visiting these markets, and trading activity has already gained momentum. Livestock are being transported in trucks and pickups to various regions.
However, many farmers and traders have expressed frustration as rising cattle feed costs are not being matched by expected market prices. Many say they are being forced to sell at prices below production costs.
At Talgachi cattle market, seller Md. Amir Ali said he had been waiting since morning but was unable to get a fair price. He said he earlier went to the Boalia market but returned due to poor offers. "At this rate, I will face a loss of at least Tk 10,000 per cattle," he added.
At Kamarkhanda market, seller Rashed Molla said medium-sized cattle priced between Tk 80,000 and Tk 1.5 lakh are in highest demand. "I brought three large cattle. Each should sell for at least Tk 2 lakh to break even. But buyers are offering Tk 1.5-1.6 lakh, which will cause losses of nearly Tk 1 lakh," he said.
Natua Para trader Kazi Kamal said medium cattle are selling faster, with 12 already sold, while he is struggling with 10 large cattle. "At current prices, I may incur a loss of around Tk 1.5 lakh," he said.
Sirajganj District Livestock Officer Dr. AKM Anwarul Haque said cattle in the district have been fattened using natural methods. Veterinary teams are monitoring 47 markets, with 39 medical teams deployed.
He added that this year the district has prepared 6,17,723 sacrificial animals including cattle, buffalo, goats and sheep, against a local demand of 2,93,000. The surplus animals will help meet Eid demand in Dhaka, Chattogram, Cumilla and other parts of the country.
