Sacrificial cows being sold per kg, relief in buying and selling

In various areas of seven upazilas of Gaibandha district, the fattening of sacrificial animals including cows, buffaloes and goats using local methods in small and large farms is in the final stage ahead of Eid. Farmers and growers are extremely busy marketing the animals raised on natural feed.

Although buying and selling has not yet started in full swing at the markets, a large number of buyers are now heading directly to farms this time. To avoid various hassles such as market crowds, broker harassment, excessive tolls, and time consumption, many are purchasing sacrificial cows directly from farms or farmers. Among these, a different picture was seen at the largest farm in the district named 'Messrs Friends Cattle'. Here, sacrificial cows are being sold by weight at Tk 500 per kg.

According to animal buyers at the farm, the biggest advantage of buying cows by going to the farm is that one can take time to inspect and select the desired animal, and there is no crowd or pressure like in the market. Although the price is somewhat higher openly at the farm, there is less confusion over bargaining and absolutely no risk of being cheated after buying the animal. They are prioritizing this method for hassle-free shopping.

Farmers said that this year, due to increases in the cost of animal feed, medicine, labor wages and other expenses, production costs have risen significantly. However, due to the hassle-free and transparent nature, the trend of buying preferred sacrificial animals from farms has increased compared to markets. They also said that buyers have more demand for medium-sized cows compared to large ones. Local, Shahiwal, Friesian and various crossbred cows have been raised in the district's farms.