By Maloy Kumar Dutta and Syed Rubaiyat Habib

DHAKA, May 15, 2026 (BSS) - As Eid-ul-Azha approaches, cattle farmers and livestock traders across the country are entering the seasonal market with renewed optimism, hoping that strong consumer demand and growing interest in healthy livestock will help offset months of rising production costs and economic pressure.

From sprawling agro farms on the outskirts of Dhaka to rural cattle sheds in Noakhali and beyond, preparations for the country’s largest livestock trading season have been underway for months.

Farmers say that despite sharp increases in feed prices, medicine, labour costs, fuel expenses and transportation charges, they have remained committed to raising healthy, quality animals for the sacred festival of Qurbani.

At Haider Dairy and Agro, owner Shadman Haider Amanat has prepared nearly 30 cattle for sale this season. Standing beside rows of carefully nurtured livestock, he expressed cautious confidence about the market.

“Costs have increased significantly this year, but we continued investing in proper care and healthy feeding because buyers want quality animals,” Amanat told BSS.

“We are hopeful that farmers will receive fair prices this Eid,” he added.

Eid-ul-Azha, the second-largest religious festival for Muslims, triggers massive nationwide cattle trading every year as millions of families purchase animals for ritual sacrifice.

This year, traders and agro-entrepreneurs say the market trend is leaning heavily toward small and medium-sized cattle, particularly in urban centres, including Dhaka, where affordability remains a key concern for many middle-income families.

According to farmers, cattle weighing between 200 kg and 500 kg are witnessing the highest demand. Buyers with budgets ranging from Tk 50,000 to Tk 250,000 are expected to find a wide range of suitable options in the market.

“A healthy and active animal reflects honest farming,” Amanat said. “People should be careful about unusually cheap cattle because some may not have been raised properly.”

In the southern district of Noakhali, Amania Agro owner Saidur Rahman Sifat echoed similar concerns about rising operational costs.

“Everything from animal feed to transport has become more expensive,” he said. “Still, we are hopeful because demand for quality cattle remains strong.”

His farm currently has around 50 to 60 cattle and goats prepared for Eid sales.

Farmers say visually attractive and healthy medium-sized cattle are likely to maintain firm prices throughout the haat season as buyers increasingly prioritise affordability, quality and proper care over oversized premium animals.

Despite ongoing financial challenges, livestock owners say their commitment to ethical farming and animal welfare remains unchanged.

“The spirit of Qurbani is about sincerity and responsibility,” Sifat said. “Farmers work throughout the year so families can perform their sacrifice with trust and peace of mind.”

Across the sector, sellers describe the current market atmosphere as “reasonably positive,” noting that buyers have already begun visiting farms, making inquiries and even placing advance bookings ahead of the busiest Eid trading days.

At the capital’s Abdul Malek Agro, owner Samrat Mirza said the farm has prepared around 80 to 85 cattle this season, including several premium large animals raised with special care.

“Alhamdulillah, the market situation currently feels quite positive, and we are seeing interest from many different types of buyers,” he said.

“Every farmer works hard throughout the year for this moment. Our biggest goal is to ensure that each of our cattle reaches a family for Qurbani. We believe demand will continue to increase as Eid gets closer, Insha’Allah,” he added.

Meanwhile, Chayabithi Agro official Sharmin said customer response has been encouraging, with sales and inquiries already gaining momentum well before Eid week.

“People are actively searching for suitable cattle for Qurbani, which gives us a lot of confidence and motivation,” she said.

She noted that many animals have already been booked in advance, particularly in the small and medium-sized categories.

“We believe the market will become even more active during the final seven days before Eid, and we are fully ready to meet that demand,” she added.

Meanwhile, Mohammad Amin Ur Rashid said the government has ensured an adequate supply of sacrificial animals ahead of the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha, with more than 2.2 million animals expected to remain surplus to the estimated national demand.

According to official figures, the estimated demand for sacrificial animals this year stands at 10,106,334, while total availability across the country is projected at 12,333,840 — leaving a surplus of approximately 2,227,506 animals.

Of the total available livestock, 5,695,878 are cattle and buffaloes, 6,632,307 are goats and sheep, while 5,655 belong to other species.

The minister also announced that more than 3,600 cattle markets will operate nationwide during the Eid season.

In Dhaka alone, authorities have designated 27 cattle markets, including 16 under Dhaka North City Corporation and 11 under Dhaka South City Corporation. To ensure animal health and public safety, 20 veterinary medical teams will remain active at these markets throughout the trading period.