RAJSHAHI, JUNE 06 (V7N) – Ahead of Eid al-Adha, sacrificial cows in Rajshahi are being sold by the kilogram, with many farms also offering online sales and bookings. Farmers are reporting a positive response, with some already having sold 40 percent of their cows online. While the Department of Livestock notes limited engagement with its own online platform post-pandemic, individual initiatives are seeing considerable success.

According to the Rajshahi District Livestock Office, the demand for sacrificial animals in the district this year stands at 384,437. Against this demand, there is a substantial stock of 496,893 animals, resulting in a surplus of 112,456. These excess animals are slated for sale in other districts across the country. This year's stock includes 115,742 cows eligible for sacrifice, 4,240 buffaloes, 346,763 goats, and 30,148 sheep.

Naba Dairy and Cattle Farm in Mahendra, Paba Upazila, Rajshahi, is a pioneering example of selling cows by weight. The farm, established on 21 bighas of land, specializes in raising bulls and cows for sacrifice. This year, they have 100 bulls suitable for Eid, including various breeds like Shahiwal, Pabna, Desi, and Red Chittagong, as well as "mountain cows" (referring to a specific breed or type of cow). These animals are being sold and booked both online and offline.

"We are getting a lot of response. We hope that all the cows will be sold before Eid," said a representative from Naba Dairy and Cattle Farm. "Most of our buyers are from Rajshahi. We will also sell in Dhaka and Chittagong. If someone buys online or offline, it will be delivered in our own vehicle. For this, we will have to pay a charge of 5 thousand taka in Dhaka and 7 thousand taka in Chittagong. It will cost 600 taka in Rajshahi."

The farm is attracting buyers from various regions, including Dhaka and Chittagong. Their sacrificial bulls range in weight from 275 to 575 kg or more.

At Naba Dairy and Cattle Farm, prices are determined live by weight. Cows weighing 275 to 450 kg are being sold at Tk 540 per kg, while those weighing 550 kg and above are priced at Tk 580 per kg. This pricing strategy has resulted in cow prices ranging from Tk 1.5 lakh to Tk 3.5 lakh this season.

Dr. Sarwar Jahan, Assistant Manager of Naba Dairy and Cattle Farm, affirmed the quality of their livestock: "All of them are our native breeds. These include Pure Local, Shahiwal, Pabna breed and Red Chittagong. The cows are specially fattened. They are fed corn and raw grass here. They are 100% safe. Nothing illegal is given during fattening. In addition, we give the vaccines that cows need." He also explained that for every 100 kg of live weight, approximately 58 to 60 kg of meat can be expected.

Machumul Haque, Deputy General Manager of Naba Dairy and Cattle Farm, stated, "Our farm is the first in Rajshahi to sell cows only live. Since 2020, we have been selling by weight. In this way, buyers can buy cows according to plan. As a result, the buyer does not suffer losses. Our old buyers are showing more interest this time. New buyers are also coming. We have already booked 40 percent."

Rajshahi District Livestock Officer Atowar Rahman noted that while the online livestock market initiated by the department during the pandemic is still operational, it hasn't seen a significant response this year. However, he acknowledged that "at the individual level, farmers who raise more cows are selling them online. They are mainly selling them online or by the kilogram price. We are also getting good response from these."

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