Cattle trading gathers pace in Rangpur, Ctg, Magura mkts

With the Eid-ul-Azha around the corner, cattle trading is picking up speed across the markets in Bangladesh, with local authorities streamlining market operations and farmers expecting brisk sales.
Our Correspondent from Rangpur: As Eid-ul-Azha is drawing nearer, sales of sacrificial animals have already gathered pace in different cattle markets of Rangpur division.
It is learnt, as the festival approaches, the division's livestock markets are brimming with sacrificial animals.
According to the Divisional Livestock Department office, this year, there is a estimated demand for 146,657 sacrificial animals in eight districts under the Rangpur division. Against the demand, a total of 202,3067 animals have been prepared by the farmers and cattle raisers for slaughter during this Eid.
There are about 21,000 cattle farms, both small and large, in the eight districts of the division. Of these, the number of registered farms in Rangpur district alone is about 4,000. Sellers said that prices of sacrificial animals are slightly lower this year than last year.
On the contrary, some buyers told the FE that the same cows that could be bought for Tk65,000 to 70,000 last year will have to be bought spending Tk75,000 to 80,000 this year.
While visiting Lalbagh haat (Cattle market) in Rangpur city on Sunday, this correspondent found every nook and corner brimming with sacrificial animals while enthusiastic buyers were strolling along the market.
According to market sources, the price of a small-sized bull was around Tk70,000 to Tk 80,000, that of a medium-sized bull was Tk100,000 to Tk 1,50,000 while large-sized bulls were available at prices ranging from Tk1,60,000 to Tk 600,000. At different cattle markets, goats were being sold at prices between Tk 8,500 and Tk 60,000 depending on sizes. Besides, buyers alleged harassment by brokers in cattle markets. Meanwhile, the Divisional Livestock Department says since the demand for domestically raised cows is high, there is little possibility of losses for the traders.
Director of Rangpur Divisional Livestock Department Dr. Mohammad Abdul Hai Sarker said that there is a surplus of more than 0.55 million (5.5 lakh) sacrificial animals which are supposed to be sent to different parts of the country after meeting the demand in Rangpur division.
This year, about Tk 120 billion (Tk12,000 crore) is expected to be added to the economy of Rangpur division from the sale of sacrificial animals during Eid-ul-Azha, he added.
Our Chattogram correspondent says: The district administration has given permission to Chattogram City Corporation (CCC) to set up only six temporary cattle markets for the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha in Chattogram this year. There were 10 cattle markets last year in Chattogram.
The cattle markets for sacrificial animals are held in the city under the management of CCC from 1st to 10th Zilhaj every year depending on the sighting of the moon.
In the current year, the markets are scheduled to be held from May 19 to 28 next. Sources said CCC applied to the district administration for nine temporary cattle markets in Chattogram but the administration has given permission for six. The district administration allowed CCC to set up the six cattle markets on 14 conditions. The temporary cattle markets are Karnaphuli Cattle Market (Noor Nagar Housing Estate) at Ward No-6; East Hossain Ahmed Para TSP Field in Ward No-40, CIP Jasim's ground at Muslimabad Road in the same ward; Wajedia intersection in Ward No-3, CDA sand field on Outer Ring Road in Ward No-39 and Munir Nagar Anand Bazar at middle Halishahar in Ward No-37.
Besides, there are three regular cattle markets in Bibirhat, Sagarika and Postarpar areas. The six temporary cattle markets will be leased for only 10 days before the Eid-ul- Azha. CCC approved the lease of Pahartoli, Postarpar and Bibirhat cattle markets for one year. The district administration has given the approval to set up six temporary cattle markets subject to the opinion of Chattogram Metropolitan Police (CMP) and Chattogram District Police.According to the conditions of the district administration, the temporary cattle markets should be set up at a convenient place at least 100 yards away from the main road so that traffic on the main road is not disrupted under any circumstances.
Our Magura correspondent reports: Expecting Tk8.0 billion sale in Eid markets this year, cattle fatteners in the district are now passing busy time as Eid-ul-Azha is approaching.
Supply of steroid-free cattle is figuring prominently in the district's markets this year.
District livestock department sources said a total of 76,974 cattle have been fattened in the district targeting Eid-ul-Azha this year while the demand is 62,508 . That means is the district is holding 14,466 surplus cattle compared to necessity. The district has been declared home to steroid-fee cattle markets.
A total of nine committees are working here to turn the declaration into a reality. The members of the committees are inspiring the fatteners to avoid steroid. They are now moving farm to farm to inspire the fatteners.
They are also conducting market monitoring to ensure supply of steroid-free cattle.
Abdul Baten of village Gangnalia under Magura sadar upazila said, "I bought three cattle three months back. I have fattened the cattle in my own house. I have already sold one of the cattle at Tk 120,000. I am expecting Tk250,000 more from the rest two cattle."
"My total income will be around Tk 370,000 while my investment is only Tk180,000," he added.
Another cow fattener Parimal Datta of village Benipur under Magura sadar upazila said, "I have fattened four cattle to sell in Eid market. I have already earned Tk250,000 by selling my two cattle and I am expecting Tk200,000 from the rest two cattle. My investment was Tk300,000 only while I am expecting a profit of Tk150,000."
sayedmofidulbabu@gmail.com
nazimuddinshyamol@gmail.com
litan1968@gmail.com
Faruq Hossen of village Jagla under Magura sadar upazila said, "We have fattened our cattle by using natural method UMS ( urea. mollasas and straw). We are completely avoiding steroid. Workers of livestock department are always encouraging us in this regard. Consequently, Magura cattle markets are completely steroid free. For this reason, we are also enjoying an additional facility."
Traders coming from different districts are giving special attention to steroid-free cattle in Magura.
When contacted, District Livestock Officer Dr Mihir Kanti Biswas said this year the district has a surplus of cattle stock compared to the demand.
"We have ensured supply of steroid-free cattle in the markets of the district. We are optimistic about a handsome profit to be gained by Magura cattle fatteners," he said.