High demand for small, mid-sized cows drives prices up, leaves large bulls unsold

With Eid-ul-Adha approaching, demand for small and medium-sized sacrificial cows has surged across Bangladesh, pushing prices up and causing supply shortages, while larger bulls remain largely unsold, traders say.

From urban centres like Dhaka to rural markets, buyers are flocking to the haats for animals priced under Tk1.7 lakh, forcing cattle sellers to hike prices due to the high demand and limited availability. In contrast, large bulls priced over Tk3 lakh are seeing significantly less interest.

"We've been buying a mid-sized cow every year, but this year the price is at least 15%-20% higher," said Kawsar Ahmed, a retail business owner in the capital's Malibagh area. 

"So, we teamed up with two friends and a relative to buy a larger bull for Tk2.4 lakh. It turned out to be value for money - around 5% cheaper than last year," he added.

This shift in buying behaviour reflects broader economic constraints. 

Shahin, a banker travelling to his home district Brahmanbaria for Eid, said, "Cash flow is tight, interest burdens are high, and the previous urge to show off wealth through large Qurbani animals has declined. Even the wealthy are avoiding extravagance."

A viral story of an overpriced goat last year triggered backlash and highlighted public frustration with corruption. 

"No one wants to repeat that mistake," Shahin added.

For many families, reduced disposable income has further limited purchasing power. 

Ashikur Rahman, an banker, said he had to pay Tk1.55 lakh for a mid-sized cow that might have cost Tk1.4 lakh last year. 

"I feel fewer animals will be sacrificed this year due to the financial strain," he noted.

Cattle traders are also experiencing this shift. 

Al Amin, who came from Munshiganj to the capital's Postagola haat with 15 cows, said, "All of my small and medium cattle sold quickly and brought in decent profit. But only one of my four large bulls has been sold. I'm worried the rest will eat away the profit."

According to him, large bulls are already 10% cheaper than last year, but buyers are still hesitant.

Faisal, a resident of Gazipur, said he bought his cow directly from a farmer for Tk1.25 lakh three days ago. 

"I'm happy with the deal, especially seeing similar cows now selling 15%-20% higher at the haats," he told TBS.

The farmer, disappointed with low returns in the past two seasons in Dhaka's cattle markets, also expressed satisfaction. 

"Selling locally saved me transportation costs and other hassles, even if I had to settle for a slightly lower price," he reportedly said.

Price and supply volatility is being observed across the 21 designated cattle markets in Dhaka, with significant price differences from one haat to another.

Monirul Islam from Hatirpul said he visited several markets in frustration before buying his bull for Tk1.6 lakh from Gabtoli on Friday. 

"Prices were too high elsewhere. There's clearly a mismatch in supply and demand this year," he said.