Scorching heat disrupts cattle trading in Dhaka; farmers worried

Highlights:

• Extreme heat slows Eid cattle market buyer turnout across Dhaka
• Farmers struggle protecting livestock from dangerous heat stress
• Cattle transported long distances weaken quickly in scorching temperatures
• Sacrificial animal prices significantly higher compared to last year
• Farmers blame rising feed costs and reduced cattle supply
• Nationwide sacrificial animal supply exceeds estimated Eid demand

With only three days left to celebrate Eid-ul-Adha, cattle markets across the capital are yet to see the expected rush of buyers as extreme heat continues to disrupt trading activities and increase concerns among farmers over sales.

Visits to several makeshift cattle markets, including Tejgaon, Kamalapur, Postogola and Bhatara revealed yesterday that trucks and pickup vans carrying cattle were arriving from different parts of the country throughout the day, pushing the number of sacrificial animals to the markets.

Traders, however, said buyer turnout remained lower than expected due to the intense weather. Both livestock and traders appeared exhausted due to the scorching heat.

Farmers were seen pouring water on cattle using pipes, manually fanning animals with palm-leaf fans and even placing small rechargeable fans beside them in an effort to protect them from heat stress.

Temporary water pumps installed across the markets were crowded with handlers filling bottles and buckets to cool down animals. As temperatures climbed in the afternoon, many cattle became visibly restless.

At the Tejgaon cattle market, farmer Mizanur Rahman from Pabna said the heat poses serious health risks for livestock, especially those raised on processed feed rather than natural grazing.

"Our cattle get less opportunity to graze and rely more on feed. In excessive heat, they suffer from breathing problems, body overheating and even heat stroke," he told The Business Standard.

"We now have to provide water constantly and keep them cool all the time. A small mistake can create a major problem," he feared.

At Kamalapur market, cattle trader Abu Bakar, who came from Sirajganj, said the heat has become unbearable for both animals and traders.

"The cattle can barely stand properly in this weather. We are giving them water repeatedly. We are suffering too, but the animals are suffering even more," he said.

Saiful Islam, another farmer from the same district, said cattle transported from distant districts are becoming weak quickly after arriving in Dhaka.

"They are eating much less than before because of the heat. We have to arrange water and airflow all day long," he said.

Talking to buyers, it was learned that prices at the markets remain higher than last year. Traders are asking Tk1.2 lakh to Tk1.3 lakh for cattle expected to yield around two to two-and-a-half maunds of meat. Prices for medium-sized cattle range between Tk1.5 lakh and Tk2 lakh, while larger animals are being sold for more than Tk3 lakh.

Akram Hossain, a buyer at the Bhatara market, said prices have increased sharply within a year.

"A cow I bought for Tk1.5 lakh last year is now being sold for at least Tk1.8 lakh," he said.

Farmers, however, blamed the rise in prices on higher feed costs, including bran, oilcake and straw, along with reduced cattle production and the absence of cattle imports from India.

Despite the slow start, traders remain hopeful that sales will improve in the final days before Eid.

Meanwhile, camels at the Tejgaon Polytechnic Institute ground have emerged as a major attraction among visitors. Many people were seen gathering around the tall animals, taking photos and observing what traders often call the "ship of the desert."

According to the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, the country's estimated demand for sacrificial animals this year stands at 10.1 million, while more than 12.3 million animals have been prepared for the Eid markets nationwide.