Cattle markets in Tangail have been witnessing arrival of a large number of sacrificial animals. The boost in supply, only two days ahead of
the Eid-ul-Azha celebration, has eased the prices of cows a little.
The buyers are interested to buy local breed, and not the snoozy, fat one. Artificially fattened cows are not the first choice of the
buyers in the markets, thanks to a campaign against use of harmful steroid and other chemicals in cattle feed. But locals said they know many of the small farms in the district engaged in raising cows through artificial fattening.
However, the arrival of Indian cows lately has boosted the supply in the markets. There is a high demand for small and medium size cows.
Some buyers of Gobindashi, Madhupur, Dewhata cattle haats said a large number of cattle were sold last week. One Sumon Mia of Bhuapur brought 40 Indian cows for sale at Dewhata. Trader Khadem Ali and Abul Kalam Azad of Kurigram said that they brought 200 cattlehead to Dewhata market. They have sold the in the range between Tk 30,000- Tk1.50 lakh each in the market.
The price is 20 percent higher than last year. A large number of Indian and locals cows have been sold at Gobindashi and Madhupur haats. The cattle traders said they have faced  no problem in importing Indian cattle. But the prices are higher this year.
Abdur Rashid, a cow farmer of village Mirzapur in Madhupur upazila, said he has spent much on raising four bulls. He expects good price. Farmers will lose interest in cattle rearing if the cattle are smuggled into the country ahead of Edul Azha.
Abdul Karim Bapari of village Boali in Madhupur upazila said if the price falls the traders might lose working capital. Abdus Samad of Madhupur said the price is still high despite a large supply.