Trading of sacrificial animals for Eid-ul-Azha is bustling at 46 cattle markets in Barguna district this year, with Amtali cattle market leading the way in Barishal division. Apart from local farmers, traders from neighboring districts and distant areas are also participating in the market activities on designated trading days. However, some sellers are disappointed with the prices as the supply of cattle, particularly cows, surpasses the demand, leading to lower than expected prices.
Barguna District Livestock Office reports that this year, the district has established a total of 46 cattle markets, comprising 17 permanent and 29 temporary setups. Barguna Sadar upazila hosts 12 markets, while Patharghata, Amtali, and Taltali upazilas each have eight markets. Additionally, Bamna has four markets and Betagi has six, where sacrificial animals are traded on specific market days.
The district’s demand for sacrificial animals this year is estimated at 40,809, with a surplus of 10,627 animals compared to last year’s sacrificial numbers of 30,182. To prepare for Eid-ul-Azha, 140 butchers received training in slaughtering and meat processing, along with training for 115 imams. Awareness activities included distributing 1,760 leaflets and organizing 35 courtyard meetings.
During a recent visit to the Amtali cattle market, an abundance of small and medium-sized cows, buffaloes, and goats were observed for sale. Local farmers and traders from various districts were actively engaged in selling their livestock. Mohibullah from Gulishakhali shared his experience of selling cows at the market, expressing concerns about covering his expenses. Similarly, Jamal Uddin highlighted the challenges of selling cows at lower prices than expected due to increased expenses in raising them over the year.
Despite some sellers facing challenges, others like Harun Gazi from Ayla area shared positive outcomes, selling cows at profitable prices. Buyers at the market had mixed reactions to the prices, with some noting slight increases compared to the previous year. Niaz Morshed Imon, the leaseholder of the Amtali cattle market, emphasized the market’s significance in attracting a diverse crowd, including local farmers and wholesalers from distant areas.
Preparations for Eid-ul-Azha include rigorous monitoring by 14 veterinary medical teams across the 46 cattle markets to ensure the health of the animals. Dr. Md Asaduzzaman, Barguna District Livestock Officer, highlighted the readiness of veterinary clinic vehicles for immediate action if needed. Security measures have been enhanced by Additional Superintendent of Police Mohammad Ibrahim to uphold law and order at the cattle markets, with police booths, counterfeit money detection machines, and plainclothes officers deployed to prevent any incidents of harassment.