As Eid-ul-Azha approaches, cattle markets across Rajshahi are bustling with activity, with buyers showing overwhelming preference for small and medium-sized sacrificial animals due to rising living costs.
The region’s largest cattle market, the historic Rajshahi City Haat, along with other rural and upazila markets, has witnessed a significant influx of cows, goats, and sheep ahead of Eid. However, traders and farmers say demand this year is largely concentrated on affordable medium-sized cattle and goats.
Buyers were seen crowding around cattle priced between Tk 70,000 and Tk 120,000, while goats ranging from Tk 15,000 to Tk 30,000 also attracted strong interest.
Traders said cattle weighing slightly over two maunds were selling for Tk 85,000 to Tk 95,000, while those weighing 3 to 3.5 maunds fetched between Tk 140,000 and Tk 145,000. Larger cattle weighing 10 to 12 maunds were priced as high as Tk 500,000 to Tk 550,000, remaining beyond the reach of many middle-class families.
“Given the current market situation, I am now looking for a good cow within Tk 90,000 to Tk 100,000,” said Abdul Mannan, a resident of Rajshahi city’s Uposhohor area. “Medium-sized cattle are more suitable for ordinary people.”
Another buyer, Shamim Patwary, echoed similar concerns, saying large cattle had become unaffordable for many households this year.
Farmers and traders said they adjusted their preparations based on market demand. Ali Hossain, a farmer from Natore, said they brought cattle of various sizes to suit different budgets, while another farmer, Sajjad Ali, noted that medium-sized cattle were selling much faster than larger ones.
Local farmer Abdul Khalek said cattle weighing between 3 and 5 maunds were currently the most sought-after despite increased feed and transportation costs.
The goat market is also seeing brisk sales, particularly among smaller families opting for goats for Qurbani. At Nowhata Haat, goats weighing 12 to 14 kilograms were selling for Tk 15,000 to Tk 16,000, while heavier goats fetched up to Tk 25,000.
According to the District Livestock Office, Rajshahi has an adequate supply of sacrificial animals this year. Official estimates show 463,011 animals are available against an expected demand of 371,058, leaving a surplus of nearly 92,000 animals.
The available stock includes 104,841 cows, 3,425 buffaloes, 311,339 goats, and 43,406 sheep, with goats accounting for the largest share.
Officials said Rajshahi’s comparatively larger middle- and lower-income population continues to drive stronger demand for affordable animals compared to major commercial cities like Dhaka.
Market authorities expect trading activity to intensify during the final days before Eid as many buyers are still surveying options.
Meanwhile, police and local administration have strengthened security at cattle markets to prevent counterfeit currency circulation, theft, mugging, and traffic congestion.
