The sacrificial animal market in the hill district of Rangamati has got busy, and hill cattle are at the top of buyers' lists. Hill cattle grow up eating all kinds of natural vines and leaves, so buyers say their meat tastes the best.

The market has been set up at the town's truck terminal. On the morning of Friday, 14 June, traders were seen bringing sacrificial animals by boat from different upazilas of the district. Many were doing business on the boats lined up at the ghat, and the truck terminal grounds were also full of cattle. Buyers are coming to the market from outside the district town, from Raozan, Rangunia, Hathazari and Chattogram.

Dr Abdur Rahman, who came from Chattogram, said: "In the hill areas of Rangamati, cattle are raised naturally. They grow up eating various vines and leaves in the hills, so they are free of disease, and their meat also tastes the best."

Another buyer, Imran Hossain, said: "Hill cattle are in high demand because they are healthy and taste the best. There are plenty of them at the market. I am still looking around; if I find one I like, I will take it."

Sushil Chakma brought 22 cattle to the market, and 21 have already sold. "Demand for cattle is high. Buyers want hill cattle more," he told Jago News.

Another seller, Anwar Ali, said: "I brought seven cattle from Longadu Maini. Two have sold, and buyers are looking. I hope the other five will sell too."

Ruhul Amin, lease-holder of the Rangamati municipal truck terminal sacrificial animal market, said plenty of hill cattle have arrived. Because there is not enough room at the market, cattle are being kept tied on boats and along the lake shore. He hopes sales will be good this year.

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