Cattle trade gains pace in Barguna

Trading of sacrificial animals ahead of Eid-ul-Azha has gained momentum at 46 cattle markets across Barguna district this year, including the Amtali cattle market, considered the biggest in Barishal division.

Besides local farmers, traders from neighbouring districts and distant areas are bringing cattle to the markets on scheduled trading days.

However, many sellers alleged that they are not getting expected prices as the supply of cattle, especially cows, is higher than the demand.

According to the Barguna District Livestock Office, a total of 46 cattle markets -- 17 permanent and 29 temporary -- have been set up across the district this year.

Of them, 12 markets are located in Barguna Sadar upazila, while eight each have been set up in Patharghata, Amtali and Taltali upazilas. Four markets are in Bamna and six in Betagi, where sacrificial animals are being traded on scheduled market days.

The office said the demand for sacrificial animals in the district this year stands at 40,809, with a surplus of 10,627 animals. Last year, a total of 30,182 animals were sacrificed in the district.

Meanwhile, 140 butchers received training on slaughtering and meat processing, while 115 imams were also trained. Besides, 1,760 leaflets were distributed and 35 courtyard meetings organised as part of awareness activities.

A recent visit to the Amtali cattle market found a comparatively higher number of small and medium-sized cows. Buffaloes and goats were also brought to the market for sale. Traders from different districts, alongside local farmers, were seen selling cattle there.

Mohibullah, a resident of the Gulishakhali area in Amtali, said he had raised four cows over the last year.

“Now after coming to the market, I see that even my expenses are not being recovered. Still, I have managed to sell two cows. If I cannot sell the remaining two, I will have to take them back home,” he said.

Another trader, Jamal Uddin, said he bought eight cows after last year’s Eid-ul-Azha and spent around Tk 600,000 to Tk 700,000 raising them over the year.

“If I can sell each cow for around Tk 100,000 or slightly more, I may still make some profit. But buyers are offering only Tk 80,000 to Tk 90,000,” he said.

However, some sellers said they were satisfied with their profits.

Harun Gazi, a resident of the Ayla area in Barguna Sadar upazila, said he brought four cows to the market and sold three of them for Tk 77,000, Tk 54,000 and Tk 53,000 respectively.

“I have made a reasonable profit,” he said.

Buyers also expressed mixed reactions regarding prices.

Ibrahim, who came to the Amtali market to buy cattle, said prices appeared slightly higher than last year.

“If I cannot buy now, I will try at the end of the season,” he added.

Another buyer, Hannan Hawlader, said medium-sized cows were available between Tk 80,000 and Tk 110,000.

“I think cattle prices are still within buyers’ purchasing capacity this year,” he said.

Omar Faruk, who came from Patuakhali to buy cattle, said prices were slightly higher than last year, though not significantly.

“A cow that cost Tk 110,000 last year is now being sold for around Tk 120,000,” he said.

Niaz Morshed Imon, leaseholder of the Amtali cattle market, said the market usually attracts a large crowd as it is the biggest cattle market in the Barishal division.

“Besides local farmers, wholesalers from distant areas also bring cattle here. So far, the market situation remains normal,” he said.

Barguna District Livestock Officer Dr Md Asaduzzaman said extensive preparations had been taken ahead of Eid-ul-Azha.

“We have formed 14 veterinary medical teams to monitor the 46 cattle markets. Immediate action will be taken if any sick animal is found. A veterinary clinic vehicle has also been kept ready,” he said.

Additional Superintendent of Police (Crime and Ops) Mohammad Ibrahim said security has been ramped up to maintain law and order at the cattle markets.

“Police booths and counterfeit money detection machines have been set up at every market. Plainclothes and DB police members are also working in the field to ensure that buyers and sellers do not face harassment,” he said.