The qurbani cattle haats in Siddhirganj have come alive. Farmers are bringing sacrificial animals to the Dhakeshwari Ibrahim Textile Balur Math and other haats in the upazila.

At the Ibrahim Textile Balur Math, a 30-maund bull named 'Hero Alom' is causing a regular stir. Buyers and onlookers crowd the haat every day for a glimpse of it, and some take photos and videos to share on Facebook. The Australian cross bull is being offered at Tk 25 lakh. It is ten and a half feet long and six feet tall. The black-and-white animal's daily diet includes oil cake, bran and green grass.

Explaining the name, owner Kawsar Rahman said he has long been a fan of Hero Alom, so he gave his favourite bull that name. He has raised it for four years, and it eats Tk 1,200–1,500 worth of food a day.

"We have had a good response from buyers from the start," he said. "I hope to sell it at a good price. So far the highest offer for Hero Alom has been Tk 13 lakh. If I get a little more, I will sell it."

The haat's lessee, freedom fighter Shah Alam, said about 4,000 sacrificial animals have come to the haat from far and wide. Because the lessee was appointed late this year, the number of animals at the haat is somewhat lower, he said, but he hopes all will be sold before the set time. Sellers are giving their cattle attractive names to draw buyers.

District Livestock Officer Basona Akter said about one lakh animals are likely to be sacrificed in the district this year, and more cattle than the demand are ready. Nine cattle haats have been permitted in the upazila this year, and the department is keeping track of each of them.

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