Pushpa, a massive bull weighing 1,100 kilogrammes, is set to become a major attraction at the upcoming sacrificial cattle markets in Habiganj.
Raised by Muttakim Chowdhury, the owner of ‘Pure and Organic Dairy Farm’ in Andiuara under Madhabpur Upazila, the bull has drawn significant attention due to its size and natural rearing process.
The farmer is asking for Tk10 lakh for Pushpa, though he noted he would consider selling it for between Tk7.5 lakh and Tk8 lakh.
“I have been rearing this bull using domestic methods for three years,” Muttakim said, adding that he personally cares for Pushpa every morning and evening. If the bull is not sold directly from the farm, it will be taken to the local market in a few days.
Chowdhury’s farm currently houses over 300 animals, with 90 cattle, ranging from small to large sizes, prepared for the upcoming Eid-ul-Adha. He employs 25 workers to manage livestock. While some animals have already been sold from the farm to local buyers, many are destined for the markets.
According to the District Livestock Department, there is a demand for 46,000 sacrificial animals in Habiganj this year.
Approximately 50,000 cattle are ready across 1,444 farms in the district, ensuring a surplus that can be sold to other regions. Local farmers are busy providing cattle with natural feed, including grass, maize, and wheat bran.
Farmers like Tuhin Mia and Sabbir Mia from Umednagar have also prepared their livestock for sale.
Tuhin, who has readied 15 cattle including Sahiwal and Nepali breeds, noted that the cost of rearing has doubled. Sabbir echoed these concerns, stating that while fodder prices continue to rise, making profits difficult, he still aims to sell 10 to 12 animals annually.
In Shayestaganj, farmer Shamim Mia is preparing five cattle for the market. He mentioned focusing on small and medium-sized animals this year because they are in higher demand.
Despite the surplus, farmers have expressed concerns over the potential influx of Indian cattle, which could drive down prices for domestic livestock and lead to losses due to high feed costs. They have urged the administration to maintain strict surveillance at the border.
District Livestock Officer Nurul Islam confirmed that the supply exceeds local demand. Addressing concerns about illegal cattle entry, he stated that the border market in Chunarughat will not operate this year, reducing the likelihood of Indian cattle entering the district. He added that the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has been requested to maintain high vigilance.
Lieutenant Colonel Md Tanzilur Rahman, commanding officer of Habiganj-55 BGB, assured that patrols have been intensified in border areas to prevent the illegal entry of Indian cattle.
