In Panchagarh, bordered by India on three sides, Indian cattle used to dominate the animal markets whenever Eid-ul-Azha came round; the markets were in the grip of Indian cattle. This year the picture is different. Because of stepped-up border surveillance, Indian cattle are almost nowhere to be seen at the Eid markets, which are now filled with local cattle, large and small.

Householders and farmers are relieved that Indian cattle are not coming in. After meeting local demand, cattle raised in the district are going to other districts across the country, and buyers say they are satisfied at being able to buy sacrificial animals at relatively reasonable prices.

The northern district of Panchagarh has 284 kilometres of Indian border on three sides. Every year before Eid, Indian cattle poured freely across various points on the border and flooded the district's markets. This time that has changed. With strict border surveillance and the greater risk of bringing cattle in illegally, cattle smuggling from India has almost stopped, and the markets are full of local cattle. At Rajnagar market in Panchagarh Sadar, Nagarkumari in Boda, Bhaulaganj in Debiganj, Fakirganj in Atwari and Shalbahan in Tetulia upazila, only long rows of local cattle are now to be seen.

According to the district livestock department, supply of sacrificial animals exceeds demand in the district this year. For Eid, 130,330 cattle have been prepared on 1,236 farms in the district, and after meeting local demand more than 26,000 cattle are being supplied outside the district.

Raisul Islam owns a farm in the Hafizabad area of the upazila sadar. He told Jago News: "I prepared several cattle over a year, hoping for Eid. With no Indian cattle, I'm hoping for good prices this time. I've already sold four cattle, and three are left. I hope they will sell too."

Akibul Islam, a householder from Talma in the same upazila, told Jago News: "I bought two small Aria cattle for Tk 60,000 and have raised them for about a year and a half. They have grown very well. A cattle trader offered Tk 1 lakh 60 thousand at home. Today I've brought them to the market. I hope to get more money. If someone offers 1 lakh 70–75 thousand, I'll sell."

Rabiul Islam of the Masjid Para neighbourhood in the district town, who came to Rajnagar market to buy, said: "There are more local cattle at the market this time, and prices seem within reach. But I haven't bought yet. I want a small Aria cow. I hope to get one for 65–70 thousand."

Trader Rahimul Islam, who came to Rajnagar market to sell, said sales were low this Eid. "At the last market I bought two cattle and sold them here, making a profit of about seven thousand. Today I brought a Tk 85,000 cow and haven't been able to sell it yet," he said. "With a few days still left before Eid, there seem to be fewer buyers. Many come to buy animals at the last moment, so big sales haven't begun here yet. I hope the market will pick up more in the next two or three days."

Md Nurul Islam, deputy director of the district livestock department, told Jago News: "We have the Indian border on three sides. We must stay alert so that dishonest people cannot bring Indian cattle across these borders in any way. We are trying to make sure local farmers get fair prices and make a profit."

Abdus Samad Pulok, leaseholder of Panchagarh's Rajnagar cattle market, said: "A lot of cattle have arrived at Rajnagar market today. Around three and a half to four thousand cattle have come in, all local. There are no Indian cattle at the market."

He added: "Various steps have been taken for the market's security. Security guards have been arranged. Regular announcements are made over loudspeakers to beware of the malam party. Lighting has been arranged. Sales are going quite well, and I hope they will rise further in the coming days."

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