Ikhtiar Uddin Azad, Patnitala (Naogaon)

Patnitala Upazila in the agriculturally rich Barind region of Naogaon has already gained a reputation as a major hub for livestock farming and meat production.

 Ahead of the upcoming holy Eid-ul-Adha, a total of 81,157 sacrificial animals have been prepared across local farms and homesteads in the upazila.

A visit to various areas and data collection revealed that many marginal farmers raise cattle at home in hopes of higher profit, alongside commercial farms. While trading has already begun for the Eid season, sellers are meticulously caring for their animals to fetch better prices closer to Eid.

One of the most talked-about cattle is a 20-maund (approx. 800 kg) Shahiwal bull affectionately named 'Bahadur', owned by Mainur Rahman of Nazipur Municipality. "I’ve raised Bahadur for the past three years, purchasing him when he was just six months old," said Mainur. "Last year, someone offered me Tk 6 lakh, but I decided to wait for a better price. I spend around Tk 500–700 daily on his care."

He added that while he’s hoping for a price between Tk 12 to 15 lakh, he believes there may not be a suitable buyer within the district. “If I can’t find a genuine buyer online, I’ll take him to Gabtoli or another large cattle market in Dhaka where prices tend to be higher closer to Eid.”

Another massive attraction is'Lafani Lal', a 20-maund Shahiwal bull raised by Mofazzal Hossain Jewel in Kazipara village, Dibar Union. He has set the asking price at Tk 16 lakh.

'Bahadur' has already drawn attention from the Upazila Nirbahi Officer Alimuzzaman Milon, and officials from the local Livestock Department, as well as large crowds of curious animal lovers who visit daily for a glimpse.

According to the Patnitala Upazila Livestock Office, the total demand for sacrificial animals this year stands at 36,475, leaving an excess of 44,682 animals available for sale outside the upazila.

Dr. Ashish Kumar Debnath, Upazila Livestock Officer, shared a breakdown of the animals:cattle: 24,302 (10,482 bulls, 4,378 oxen, 9,448 cows) buffalo: 14, goats: 5,124,sheep: 5,578 and ohers: 20

He emphasized, “We are continuously providing support to farmers and marginal animal rearers at every level.”

With surplus cattle and record-breaking bulls like 'Bahadur' and 'Lafani Lal', Patnitala is set to play a major role in this year’s Qurbani livestock market.