Dhaka’s cattle markets getting lively, buyers yet to follow

Cattle markets in the capital officially opened on Saturday ahead of Eid-ul-Azha amid a low turnout of buyers and high prices of sacrificial animals.

This year, 19 temporary cattle markets were allowed to be set up under Dhaka South City Corporation and Dhaka North City Corporation, with strict conditions of maintaining hygiene rules amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

On the first day, cattle traders from across the country were seen gathering at different temporary cattle markets in the capital with truckloads of sacrificial animals eying huge profits.

During a visit to Khilgaon Rail-gate temporary cattle market at Shahjahanpur on Saturday morning, The Business Post found that trucks full of cattle were entering the market from various places.

Ajmat Ami, a truck driver who came to the cattle market with 20 cows from Jamalpur, said he saw many trucks loaded with cattle on the road heading towards Dhaka.

“Many farmers here told me that they expect to get higher prices for their cattle in the capital,” he added.

However, the presence of buyers and sales of sacrificial animals remained thin on the first day as most buyers complained that the prices were still higher than most can afford.

“I am here to buy a cow for Eid-ul-Azha, but the traders are quoting prices way beyond what I can afford. I think I will have to wait for the prices to come down before I can purchase a sacrificial animal,” said Taher Mridha, a businessman.

Meanwhile, Abdur Rahim, a cattle farmer, said he brought 12 cows with him from Jamalpur’s Bakshiganj to the cattle market.

“I have raised all of my cows myself. The prices of animal feeds are higher now, which is why it has become more expensive to raise them. However, buyers are quoting low prices,” he said.

Talking to The Business Post, Nazim Uddin Chowdhury, member of lease committee authority of Shahjahanpur cattle market, said, “Officially, the cattle market opened today. The market is yet to reach its full momentum as offices, industries and factories are still open. People in Dhaka usually buy their sacrificial animals a day or two before Eid day, therefore, we hope the sales will go up by Sunday or Monday.”

“Sacrificial animals are entering the market continuously and we hope that this trend will continue till Eid day. This year, we have more medium-range cows in our cattle market,” he added.

Although the government ordered strict compliance with health safety guidelines amid the Covid-19 pandemic, The Business Post also found that no special measures were being taken at the cattle market to ensure social distancing or hygiene rules set by the government.

Asked, Nazim said the highest priority is being given in maintaining hygiene rules, but people in the market are not following it.