From haat to farm: Cumilla buyers seek relief from high hasil, hassle

High hasil (service tax), security concerns and the hassle of transporting and keeping sacrificial animals are driving many buyers in Cumilla to purchase cattle directly from farms ahead of Eid-ul-Adha.

Farm owners and buyers said the trend of purchasing sacrificial animals from farms instead of traditional cattle markets has been growing over the past few years.

The Cumilla district administration, meanwhile, warned that no one will be allowed to collect hasil beyond the fixed rates and legal action will be taken against irregularities.

A visit to Farid Agro Farm by Cumilla-Suagazi road at Kamalpur in Cumilla Sadar South upazila found cattle being raised in a clean environment with locally sourced feed. The farm currently has around 30 saleable cattle, all of local Shahiwal breed.

Prices range from Tk3 lakh to Tk10 lakh. The farm's largest bull, named "Rajababu," weighs over 1,000 kg and has been priced at Tk10 lakh.

Farm authorities said easy transportation, hygienic conditions and doorstep delivery services are attracting buyers.

Khaled Monsur Imon, manager of Farid Agro Farm, said many city residents are opting for farms due to the difficulties keeping and feeding cattle at home.

"Several cattle have already been sold. Some buyers will receive delivery a day before Eid, while others will get their animals on Eid day," he said.

Mohammad Ziaul Haque Litu, director of JH Agro Park at Dhanuakhola under Kalirbazar union of Sadar upazila, said cattle sales from his farm have increased compared to last year.

"The main reasons are the hassle of keeping cattle and buyers' desire for healthy animals," he said.

Ahmed Shoaib Sohel, secretary of Cumilla Club, who bought a cow from a farm, said purchasing cattle from markets requires time and effort, while there are also concerns over animal health and accommodation.

"So, I bought a sacrificial animal in advance from a farm. They will deliver it to my house on Eid morning," he said.

Additional District Livestock Officer Mohammad Ismail Hossain said medical teams are working to prevent the sale of sick animals in cattle markets.

"This year, 85 medical teams will work at more than 400 cattle markets across the district," he said, adding that many buyers are now preferring farms to avoid crowds and inconvenience.

Cumilla Deputy Commissioner Md Reza Hasan said authorities are working to ensure security at cattle markets and prevent circulation of counterfeit currency.

He said cattle markets have also been barred from operating on school and college grounds and along highways.

"No one will be allowed to collect hasil beyond the approved rates. Legal action will be taken against any irregularities," the DC added.