Trading has picked up at the Shahjahanpur and Kamalapur cattle markets in the capital ahead of Eid-ul-Azha. Both markets were crowded with buyers and sellers from the morning, but sudden rain at midday disrupted normal activity for a while. Rain, mud and water caused hardship for buyers and sellers alike.

On Tuesday (26 May), buyer turnout at both markets was striking, and many came with their families to see the cows. But heavy rain that began at around noon changed the scene. Water collected in places and turned to mud, making it hard to walk and to move animals.

Shamim Mia, a trader from Kushtia at the Shahjahanpur market, said he had hoped for good sales from the morning, but buyer numbers fell once the rain began, and it had become hard even to manage the cows.

Saidul Islam, a trader from Pabna at the same market, said that with water collecting in different places, it was hard even to stand with the cows. With the straw soaked, looking after the animals and letting them sit had also become a problem. He alleged that the market lacked adequate drainage, which made things worse.

Md Asadul Islam, another trader at the Shahjahanpur market, said sales had been good in the morning but the midday rain upset all his calculations. It had rained the day before too, and twice again that day, he said.

The same was seen at the Kamalapur market. During the rain, many traders were busy putting up tarpaulins, while some got soaked looking after their cows.

Mintu Mia, a trader from Sirajganj, said bringing each cow had cost a lot, and if they did not sell he would face a big loss.

Nur Islam from Chuadanga said that after midday buyers did not want to come near the cows because of the mud and water. "There is very little time left before Eid, and a situation like this is dangerous for us," he said. But by the afternoon the market began to come back to life, and buyers were seen buying cows even in the mud. Fearing last-minute crowds and price rises, many tried to buy animals quickly.

A buyer from Rampura at the Shahjahanpur market said he had come to buy a cow that day for fear the weather might turn bad.

People involved with the markets said crowds usually grow in the afternoon and evening before Eid. Although sales dropped for a while because of the midday rain, the market picked up again after dusk. If the rain continues, however, it could affect sales. Overall, despite the hardship of rain, mud and water, trading has picked up at the capital's cattle markets.

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