RAJSHAHI, May 24: Cattle markets across Rajshahi have started to gain momentum ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, with heavy crowds of buyers and sellers at the city's traditional cattle market as well as various upazila and rural livestock hubs.
Farmers and traders from different parts of the district have brought cattle, goats and sheep to the markets. However, market sources said demand for small and medium-sized animals is higher this year compared to large cattle.
Middle-income and budget-conscious buyers are increasingly opting for medium-sized cattle based on their affordability.
A visit to the Rajshahi City Cattle Market showed brisk trading from morning till night, with loud bargaining and large crowds creating a lively atmosphere. Cattle priced between Tk 70,000 and Tk 1.2 lakh have attracted the most attention. Similarly, goats priced between Tk 15,000 and Tk 30,000 are also in strong demand.
Market observation showed that cattle weighing over two maunds are being sold at Tk 85,000-95,000. Animals weighing around 3 to 3.5 maunds are selling for Tk 1.4-1.45 lakh, while 5 to 5.5 maund cattle are being traded at Tk 1.6-1.8 lakh. Larger cattle weighing 10 to 12 maunds are fetching prices between Tk 5 lakh and Tk 5.5 lakh.
Buyers said rising prices of essentials have made it difficult for many to purchase large cattle this year. As a result, they are choosing small and medium-sized animals based on family size and budget.
Abdul Mannan from Upashahar area said he had initially planned to buy a large cow but changed his decision due to current market conditions.
"I am now looking for a good cow within Tk 90,000 to Tk 1 lakh. Medium-sized cattle are more suitable for ordinary people," he said.
Another buyer, Shami Patwary, said large cattle are too expensive.
"For middle-class families like ours, medium-sized cattle are the only option. There are also a good number of local cattle in the market this year," he added.
Farmers also said they have prepared more small and medium-sized cattle this year in line with market demand, as they are selling faster than larger ones.
Farmer Ali Hossain from Natore, who brought cattle to Rajshahi City Market, said they bring different types of cattle every year for Eid.
"This year too, we have cattle of various sizes. Buyers can choose according to their affordability," he said.
Another farmer, Sajjad Ali, said he brought mostly medium-sized cattle after understanding market demand.
"Large cattle take more time to sell, but small and medium ones are selling quickly," he said.
Local farmer Abdul Khaleque said rising feed and transport costs had also influenced their decision.
"Considering people's purchasing power, we have focused more on medium-sized cattle. Animals weighing 3 to 5 maunds are in the highest demand this year," he said.
The goat market is also active, with small families showing more interest in goats. Good quality goats are selling at Tk 18,000-20,000.
Vendors said prices may increase further as Eid approaches.
At Nohata market, goats weighing 12-14 kg are selling at Tk 15,000-16,000, while 15-18 kg goats are priced at Tk 20,000-22,000. Goats weighing over 20 kg are selling at around Tk 25,000.
Officials from the District Livestock Office said there is sufficient supply of sacrificial animals in Rajshahi this year.
According to their estimate, the district has 463,011 sacrificial animals against a demand of 371,058, leaving a surplus of about 91,953 animals.
This means there will be no shortage of livestock for Eid-ul-Azha, officials said.
Data shows that Rajshahi Division has prepared 104,841 cattle, 3,425 buffaloes, 311,339 goats and 43,406 sheep for the upcoming Eid.
Officials said goats make up the largest share of available animals, followed by cattle, sheep and buffaloes.
They added that since Rajshahi is not a major commercial hub like Dhaka, most buyers are from middle- and low-income groups, which is why demand for small and medium-sized animals is consistently higher.
Market leaseholders said supply is adequate this year, and dependence on cattle from outside districts has decreased due to increased local production.
They expect sales to rise further in the final days before Eid.
Rajshahi City Market leaseholder Showkat Ali said many buyers are still just visiting the market.
"Most sales will take place two to three days before Eid. Supply is good and buyers are finding suitable animals," he said.
