Bustling Sacrificial Animal Markets in Paikgachha Ahead of Eid

Sacrificial animal markets across Paikgachha upazila in Khulna have become increasingly crowded ahead of Eid-ul-Azha. Traders said large numbers of cows and goats have arrived at different markets, while buyers are also visiting in growing numbers.

Like previous years, cattle markets are being held in Chandkhali, Kashimnagar, Gadaipur, Agarghata, Srikanthpur of Raduli, Banka Bazar and the Eidgah grounds. The markets will continue daily until the day before Eid.

Traders and farmers are bringing cows and goats from different areas to these markets. Rows of animals are lined up for sale, and the number of buyers increases in the afternoon. Buyers are visiting different sections of the markets, selecting animals and bargaining over prices.

Despite the large supply of cattle, many sellers said buyers are still cautious. Farm owners and traders say rising cattle-rearing costs, especially feed prices, have forced them to ask higher prices this year. However, many buyers are taking time before making purchases.

At the Gadaipur cattle market, cows of different sizes are available. Buyers said cattle prices are higher than last year, while sellers claimed they are still not getting expected prices.

Local breed cows are in high demand this year, especially small and medium-sized animals. Traders said these cattle are selling quickly in local markets. Large cows are also attracting buyers and are being sold at comparatively better prices.

Farmers are transporting cattle to the markets in small trucks from different parts of the upazila. According to traders, small cows are selling for Tk55,000 to Tk60,000, while medium-sized domestic cows are selling between Tk70,000 and Tk90,000. Large cows are priced from Tk1.2 lakh to Tk3.5 lakh. Goats are being sold between Tk15,000 and Tk40,000.

Trader Faruk Gazi said bulls that sold for Tk1 lakh to Tk1.1 lakh last year are now drawing offers of Tk80,000 to Tk90,000. He also said goat prices are lower than last year, with medium-sized goats currently selling for Tk13,000 to Tk15,000 compared to Tk17,000 to Tk18,000 previously. However, traders expect prices to rise closer to Eid.

Authorities said security measures have been strengthened at the cattle markets following government instructions. Buyers and sellers are also being informed through public announcements.

Nazmul Haque, lessee of the Chandkhali cattle market, said additional police and security personnel have been deployed for the safety of buyers and traders. Veterinary doctors are also checking the health of animals to ensure safe sales.

Upazila Livestock Officer Dr. Partha Pratim Roy said most cattle in Paikgachha are naturally raised at farms and households. Veterinary teams are working in the markets to monitor whether harmful substances were used for fattening animals.

Upazila Nirbahi Officer Wasiuzzaman Chowdhury said law enforcement agencies are actively monitoring the markets and immediate action will be taken if any dispute or irregularity occurs.