Photo: BSS

By S M Zahid Hossain

KHULNA, May 22, 2026 (BSS) - Trading has started gaining momentum at the traditional Khornia cattle market in Dumuria upazila of Khulna, one of the largest livestock markets in the country's south-western region, ahead of the holy Eid-ul-Azha.

Locally bred small and medium-sized cattle are witnessing the highest demand this year as well, while comparatively lower demand for large-sized cattle has left many farmers and cattle rearers worried. 

Buyers said cattle prices are slightly higher this year compared to last year.

A visit to the weekly cattle market on Thursday revealed the presence of more than a thousand cattle, goats, sheep and buffaloes.

Traders from different parts of the country have flocked to the market to purchase sacrificial animals. Lengthy bargaining between traders and farmers was seen throughout the market, which has already turned vibrant with the gathering of buyers and sellers.

Although large-sized cattle attracted public attention, most general buyers were seen showing greater interest in small and medium-sized animals.

Talking to BSS, buyer Montaz Ali said he came to the market to buy a cow for sacrifice but found prices much higher than expected.

"Large-sized cattle are being priced at around Taka 2 lakh. I am looking for a medium-sized cow within Taka 1 lakh to Taka 1.20 lakh, but even those are being priced above Taka 1.50 lakh," he said.

Farmer Ruhul Sheikh said he had reared 10 cattle on his farm for Eid and brought five of them to the market.

"Many buyers think the prices are high, but the cost of cattle feed has increased significantly. It takes a lot of money to rear cattle now, so prices are being fixed after calculating all expenses," he added.

Moslem Bepari, a trader from Khulna city, said Khornia market receives a huge supply of cattle, making it an important destination for wholesale buyers.

"I came here with a truck and have already purchased 10 cattle. I will buy five more and take them to Dhaka. Since medium-sized cattle are in higher demand, I purchased more of those," he said.

Goat buyer Suman Ahmed said a large number of suitable sacrificial goats were available at the market and prices remained comparatively stable.

"I managed to buy a goat of my choice for Taka 20,000," he added.

Market authorities said trading is expected to increase further in the coming days as Eid approaches.

They said traders are being regularly warned about criminal groups, including fraudsters and muggers, while counterfeit currency detection machines have been installed at the market.

A veterinary medical team from the upazila livestock department is also providing healthcare services for animals at the market.

Dumuria Upazila Livestock Officer Dr Md Ashraful Kabir said the department's medical team is working round-the-clock to ensure healthy livestock trading.

"If any animal falls sick or buyers suspect health issues, our team is providing free treatment and consultation immediately," he said.

He also said farmers have fattened cattle naturally this year using straw, grass and nutritious feed without harmful steroids or chemicals, adding that the livestock department is maintaining strict surveillance against the use of harmful substances.

Dumuria Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Sabita Sarkar said the administration has taken strict security measures to ensure smooth and safe trading at the historic Khornia cattle market.

She said monitoring has been strengthened to prevent illegal toll collection, adequate counterfeit currency detection facilities have been arranged, and police along with volunteers are working to maintain law and order.

Special traffic and parking management has also been introduced to avoid congestion on the Khulna-Satkhira highway, while mobile courts led by executive magistrates remain ready to tackle irregularities and maintain discipline in the market.

The UNO expressed hope that coordinated efforts by the local administration, police, livestock department and market management committee would ensure a peaceful and orderly cattle trading environment this Eid season.