Trade has picked up at Meherpur's traditional century-old Baradi goat market ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, with traders and buyers from different districts crowding the market grounds. Demand for the world-famous Black Bengal goat has again pushed up sales at the district's markets this year.

Traders say buyers are showing more interest in medium-sized goats than in large ones this year.

The century-old market at Baradi Bazar in Meherpur Sadar upazila is known as the district's biggest goat market. It is normally held on Saturdays and Wednesdays, but for Eid an extra day has been added, so it runs up to three days a week. Its reputation has long extended to several neighbouring districts, and sheep are also traded there.

On Saturday morning the whole market was full of local goats of different breeds and sizes, white, black, brown and mixed in colour. Buyers moved around in groups looking at goats and bargaining, and some bought the animals they liked.

According to people at the market, large goats are available for Tk 45,000 to Tk 60,000, while medium goats of Tk 12,000 to Tk 25,000 are in highest demand. But traders say the supply of goats at that price is comparatively low.

Businessman Rabiul Islam, home from Dhaka for the Eid holiday, came to Baradi to buy a large goat for the sacrifice. After a long time looking round, he bought one for Tk 37,000. "I liked one after seeing many goats. The price is more or less fine, so I bought it," he said.

Meherpur town resident Arifur Rahman bought a brown local goat for Tk 35,000. "I think it will give about 40 kg of meat. Some members of my family are allergic to beef, so this time we decided to sacrifice a goat," he said.

Market lessee M A Bari Faruk said about 75 per cent of the goats at the market this year are small local breeds, 15 per cent are cross rams and 10 per cent Black Bengal goats. Demand for goats has risen compared with last year, and buyers are especially looking for medium-sized goats, he said.

Hasanuzzaman of Amjhupi village in Meherpur Sadar upazila brought four goats he had raised himself. By noon none had sold, and he was seen standing in the blazing sun waiting for buyers. "Many people come and look but do not offer the price I expect. If they don't sell in the end, I will have to give them to traders," he said.

Shahidul Islam, a trader from Mujibnagar upazila, brought nine goats and has sold six. He hopes the rest will sell within a few days. "Most buyers want goats of Tk 9,000 to Tk 24,000, but goats at that price are comparatively scarce in the market," he said.

Traders claim that while a toll of Tk 250 per goat was charged last year, Tk 300 to Tk 400 is being collected this year depending on weight. Asked about this, lessee Ripon Molla said the toll is being collected at the rate set by the administration.

A medical team from the Department of Livestock Services was on duty at the market throughout, examining animals and giving advice. Many buyers were seen having goats checked after buying them.

District livestock officer Dr Tofazzel Hossain said the market is being regularly monitored to ensure the health and safety of sacrificial animals, with special attention to making sure no diseased animal is sold.

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