Although seasonal cattle markets in Cox’s Bazar have not yet fully started ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, trading of sacrificial animals at farm level has already gained momentum.
A visit to ‘Mayer Doa Dairy Farm’ near the Central Jame Mosque in Ward No 1 of Cox’s Bazar town showed rows of cattle of different breeds being prepared for sale for the upcoming Eid.
The farm has prepared more than 40 cattle of Sahiwal, Australian, Dobsi and local breeds for this year’s sacrificial market.
Several large bulls at the farm have been given eye-catching names such as ‘Australian’, ‘Dobsi’, ‘Sahiwal’, ‘Tiger’, ‘Bahubali’, ‘Shahenshah’, ‘Kala Bahadur’, ‘Bullet King’ and ‘Danger Lalu’.
The cattle weigh between six and 13 maunds, with prices ranging from around Tk 200,000 to Tk 400,000.
Among them, two giant bulls named ‘Kalo Manik’ and ‘Lal Bahadur’ are attracting the most attention from visitors.
Many visitors were seen taking photographs, while others negotiated prices with farm authorities.
Farm owner Nurul Islam said the cattle had been raised entirely through natural methods without using harmful medicines or artificial fattening techniques.
He said buyers were showing the greatest interest in Lal Bahadur and Kalo Manik.
“Some buyers have already offered Tk 600,000 for Lal Bahadur and Tk 500,000 for Kalo Manik,” he said.
Meanwhile, visitors and buyers have started gathering at various farms across the district.
Farmers said there would be no shortage of sacrificial animals this year as sufficient numbers of locally raised cattle were available.
However, they expressed concern over the illegal entry of cattle from Myanmar through border routes, claiming that such smuggling could increase the risk of disease transmission and financial losses for local farmers.
The district livestock office estimates the demand for sacrificial animals in Cox’s Bazar this year at 134,295.
Against this demand, local farmers and breeders have prepared around 158,163 animals, ensuring sufficient supply for Eid-ul-Azha, officials said.
Preparations have also been taken to set up a total of 56 permanent and temporary cattle markets across the district’s nine upazilas.
With Eid approaching, a festive atmosphere now prevails at cattle farms across Cox’s Bazar, as local farmers hope to recover losses and make profits through strong sales this season.
By Mohammad Morshed
Photo: Mohammad Morshed
