More interest in smaller cattle as demand for larger ones dipsSales gaining momentum at Dhaka cattle markets

The sale of sacrificial animals at cattle markets in the capital gained momentum on Wednesday, with only three days remaining before Eid-ul-Azha.

Markets across the city were teeming with animals and prices this year were found to be reasonable for both sellers and buyers. Stakeholders on both sides expressed satisfaction with the current state of the trade.

This year, the city authorities have permitted a total of 20 cattle markets in Dhaka – 12 in the northern part of the city and eight in the southern part. Livestock are arriving at the markets via trucks and water vessels from districts including Sirajganj, Netrokona, Chuadanga, Kushtia, Faridpur and others.

During visits to several markets – including the one on 100 Feet Madani Avenue – a variety of sellers shared positive experiences.

Several buyers informed the correspondent that the price of larger cattle is slightly lower than the previous year, due to lower demand.

However, the sellers are asking higher prices for smaller cattle, according to buyers.

This year, the sellers have not been doing any promotion of these super cattle yet.

Even the goat market has not reached the excitement of last year yet. The highest price for a goat is around Tk35 thousand, as opposed to the record high sale of the Tk15 lakh goat last year.

Md Rezaul, who brought five cows from Alamdanga in Chuadanga, said he had already sold two and made a decent profit.

“I came to the market on Sunday with six cows. Today, I sold two medium-sized cows for Tk2.85 lakh. There’s been a good profit for me,” he said.

Another trader, Md Rubel, brought 40 sheep and 105 goats from Kurigram in the Rangpur division on Wednesday. He shared, “Out of 40 sheep, I’ve sold one, and out of 105 goats, 15 have been sold. The prices are not bad and customer response has been encouraging.”

Anowar Dhali, a resident of Vatara in the capital, expressed satisfaction with the pricing this year.

“I’ve bought a cow weighing around 160 kilograms for Tk1.26 lakh. The price isn’t bad, though I was hoping for something a bit more concessional. I’ll buy another cow tomorrow,” he said.

Abdur Rahim Mia, who arrived at the Uttar Shahjahanpur cattle market on Sunday with 16 cows from Sundarganj in Gaibandha, also reported a good sales experience.

“Out of 16 cows, I’ve already sold 12. A smaller cow weighing around 2.5 maunds (approximately 100 kg) fetched Tk70,000, while a larger one weighing about 200 kg sold for Tk1.45 lakh,” he said.

He added, “Among the four unsold cows, two weigh between 160-200 kg and I expect around Tk1.80 lakh for each. For the others, I’m hoping to get Tk1.10-1.20 lakh.”

However, the response at the Dholaikhal temporary cattle market in Old Dhaka was reportedly less enthusiastic.

Although sales are starting to pick up with Eid approaching, traders and buyers there noted a lower supply of animals compared to previous years.

Kamal Hossain, who brought 11 cows to the market on Sunday from Chuadanga, said that buyer presence had increased.

“Today, more buyers are showing up at the market, though I haven’t sold a single cow yet. Compared to previous years, both the number of cows and their prices are lower. We’re hoping for reasonable prices in the final days. But if the weather turns unfavourable, prices may fall further,” he remarked.

Alamgir Hossain, another trader who brought 20 cows from Cumilla, said, “I’ve sold one cow for Tk1.2 lakh. Most of my cows are priced between Tk1 lakh and Tk1.5 lakh.”

Buyers also shared their perspectives. Munna Shikdar, who purchased a cow from the market, said, “I bought a cow for Tk1.35 lakh. There are fewer animals in the market this year than in previous ones. Prices might go up slightly in the coming days.”

Abdul Hannan, who bought a goat for Tk21,000, noted, “There are very few goats in this market. The price seems reasonable.”

During market visits, law enforcement and veterinary service posts were observed.

DNCC Administrator Mohammad Azaz said that during a meeting at Nagar Bhaban on Monday with leaseholders of the cattle markets, directives were issued to ensure smooth operations.

“I have instructed them to provide makeshift toilet facilities at the cattle markets to ensure that traders from across the country do not suffer. We also discussed water supply arrangements. Our magistrates will visit the markets and take legal action if any illegal activity is found. Additionally, veterinary doctors will be present to tend to the animals,” he said.