Cattle markets in Madaripur district have started gaining momentum ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, with only a few days left before the second-largest religious festival of Muslims is celebrated.

New temporary markets are being set up in different locations every day, with nearly 20 major cattle markets in the district. But, low sales are blamed for the high prices of cattle.

Visiting different markets and cattle farms, it reveals that a sharp increase in cattle feed prices this year has caused rearing costs, with farmers claiming prices are around 30 percent higher than last year.

At the Char Muguria cattle market in Madaripur Sadar upazila, seller Shahin Howlader shared that he raised four cows on his farm this year. "I spent about Tk 6,000 per month per cow due to the rise in feed costs."

Shahin brought two of his cows to the market, asking Tk 3.5 lakh for both, but buyers offered only Tk 2.5 lakh. “If I get Tk 3 lakh, I’ll sell them,” he said.

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Among the largest cattle markets in the Sadar upazila are those at Bangla Bazar, Khajurtola, Char Muguria and Mostafapur.

Baka Chowdhury from Lakshmiganj area said cattle are generally cheaper at haats than at farms. “A cow that costs Tk 1 lakh at a haat may go for Tk 1.5 lakh at a farm,” he explained, which is why many buyers prefer the haats.

Madaripur Municipality Secretary Md Firoz said that all necessary security measures have been implemented at the Char Muguria cattle market ahead of Eid.

Local cattle broker Tajel Bepari said the markets are expected to become fully active from June 1, as Eid draws closer.