Buying and selling was in full swing at Gabtoli cattle market in the capital on the day before Eid-ul-Azha. Sellers were letting their cattle and goats go once offers came close to what they expected, and many buyers said they were happy to find the animals they wanted within their means.

A visit to Gabtoli after midday on Friday (6 June) found plenty of animals and buyers, with brisk trade under way.

Farmers who brought cattle and goats from around Dhaka were not happy with prices. Farmers from other districts, however, said they were satisfied with what they were getting.

Kalam Bepari, from Sujanagar in Pabna, told Jago News he had brought many cows. "Today is the last day. I am letting them go even at Tk 20,000 to 30,000 below what I hoped for. There is no chance to wait now. Keeping a cow costs money, so I sell for what I get. Some bring a profit, some just cover costs. As long as there is some profit overall, that's fine."

Buyers were also pleased to find animals within reach. One buyer, Shahnewaz, said: "Sellers don't make losses, they make profits. But the prices are quite comfortable, not excessive."

Moksedul Momin came from Narayanganj town and bought a black cow for Tk 1 lakh 75 thousand. He was satisfied to get the cow he wanted.

Abdul Mazid brought around 110 cows from Tangail. His sales were almost done, with eight cows left. He sold one that will give 6 maunds of meat for Tk 1 lakh 75 thousand and said he was satisfied with the price.

Pritom came from Mirpur 1 to buy a cow. "The price is not high. It's about right," he told Jago News.

Md Roni brought 15 cows from Hemayetpur. Seven have been sold and seven more remain, according to the account; his good-looking medium-sized cows are still unsold. "The market is down. I'm not getting the price I expected. I'm afraid I may make a loss," he said.

Md Sumon of Simba Farm in Mohammadpur brought one big cow and is asking Tk 3.5 lakh. Buyers are offering up to Tk 2.5 lakh, and he said he would sell at Tk 3 lakh. "Lots of cattle are coming into the market. Prices are very low," Md Sumon said.

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.