Rajshahi, Jun 06 (V7N) - With Eid al-Adha just days away, cattle markets across Rajshahi are teeming with activity, showcasing a high demand for local cows. Buyers are reportedly pleased with the abundant supply and the generally affordable prices, particularly for medium-sized cattle.

Markets in and around Rajshahi, including City Hat, Damkura Hat, Taherpur, Bhabaniganj, Baneshwar, Puthia, and Katakhali, along with the nearby Choubaria Hat in Naogaon, are bustling with both cattle and goat sales. As Eid draws closer, sales are picking up momentum, with most wholesale traders having already completed their bulk purchases, leaving the market primarily targeting general buyers.

Medium-sized cows are proving to be the preferred choice for buyers, with those weighing 90 to 130 kg seeing particularly high demand. These cows are being priced between Tk 80,000 and Tk 1 lakh. Smaller cows, weighing 70 to 85 kg, are being offered for Tk 60,000 to Tk 75,000. For larger animals, weighing 130 to 200 kg, prices range from Tk 110,000 to Tk 180,000. Notably, bulls are experiencing greater demand from buyers in Rajshahi's markets compared to heifers, cows, or bullocks.

According to the Rajshahi Animal Husbandry Department, the district has prepared an impressive 496,893 cattle for sacrifice this year, significantly exceeding its local demand. Across the entire Rajshahi division, approximately 4.3 million sacrificial animals have been prepared against a demand of around 2.6 million, indicating a surplus of about 1.7 million animals after meeting regional needs.

Detailed statistics on production and demand for sacrificial animals in the Rajshahi division are as follows:

Rajshahi: Demand: 381,000; Production: 473,000
Natore: Demand: 273,000; Production: 514,000
Naogaon: Demand: 386,000; Production: 788,000
Chapainawabganj: Demand: 134,000; Production: 200,000
Pabna: Demand: 312,000; Production: 648,000
Sirajganj: Demand: 259,000; Production: 655,000
Bogra: Demand: 709,000; Production: 746,000
Joypurhat: Demand: 197,000; Production: 316,000
Abdur Rahim, a cattle trader from Puthia Upazila of Rajshahi, confirmed the absence of Indian cows in the market, stating that only local cattle, raised by farmers, are being brought for sale. He also noted that cattle prices this year have not increased compared to the previous year, which, while slightly impacting farmers' profits, has made buyers quite content.

Hasan Imam Shahin from Sheikhpara in Rajshahi metropolis shared his positive experience, having purchased a cow for Tk 85,000 at Choubaria Hat a few days ago. He corroborated that cattle prices are generally lower this time, particularly for cows and goats compared to bulls.

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