Livestock trading has gathered significant momentum across the Kendua upazila of Netrokona ahead of Eid al-Adha, as both permanent and temporary cattle markets witness a steady rise in buyers and sellers. Local authorities and traders expect business activity to intensify further in the coming weeks as the religious festival approaches.
According to the upazila administration, Kendua currently has 12 permanent livestock markets. In addition, licences have been granted for 22 temporary cattle markets to ensure convenient access for residents across the municipality and the upazila’s 13 unions. Altogether, 34 cattle markets are now operating across the region.
Officials said the decision to permit additional temporary markets was taken to reduce travel difficulties for sacrificial animal buyers and to create more opportunities for small and medium-scale farmers to sell livestock directly. The temporary markets are scheduled to operate twice a week from morning until evening.
Temporary Markets Across Kendua
| Union | Approved Temporary Markets |
|---|---|
| Naopara | Naopara Bazar |
| Royailbari | Gamruli Haripur Notun Bazar, Fatepur Ananda Bazar, Bongo Bazar |
| Balaishimul | Noaadia Jame Mosque intersection market, Noaadia Bazar, Balijura Bazar, Gopalpur Bazar |
| Garadoba | Janata Bazar, Sakhra Bazar, Banshati Bazar, Y Bazar |
| Ashujia | Basur Bazar |
| Paikura | Islamia Darul Ulum Madrasa Bazar, Kawalikanda Bazar, Paikura Mia Hossain Bazar, Bairati Bazar |
| Sandikona | Sandikona Bazar, market near Sandikona playground |
| Mojafarpur | Harulia Bazar, Mojafarpur Madrasa Bazar |
| Kandiura | Gog Bazar |
| Gonda | Bairati Mor Bazar |
Entrepreneurs associated with the cattle trade believe the expanded number of markets will benefit both consumers and livestock rearers. Small household farmers, who often struggle to transport animals over long distances, are now able to sell cattle closer to their homes, reducing transport costs and risks.
A visit to the permanent cattle market at Chirang Bazar in Chirang ইউনিয়ন revealed growing commercial activity. Market leaseholder Ataul Haque Mintu said the market had been arranged with the convenience of local buyers and sellers in mind. He noted that trading takes place every Wednesday and Saturday and that traders from neighbouring areas are also attending in large numbers.
He added that the supply of cattle and overall trading volume are expected to rise sharply as Eid al-Adha draws nearer. Traders are already bringing in animals of varying sizes to meet anticipated demand.
Wholesaler Russell Milky said he had been collecting cattle from local farmers and household rearers before supplying them to different markets across the upazila. He expressed optimism about profits this season, citing strong consumer demand and healthy livestock availability.
Law enforcement agencies and local administrators have also intensified preparations to ensure safe trading conditions. Kendua Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mehedi Maksud said security personnel would remain active in and around livestock markets so that buyers and sellers could conduct transactions without disruption.
Meanwhile, Upazila Livestock Officer Dr Matiur Rahman said several monitoring and support committees had been formed by the Department of Livestock Services. These committees will provide veterinary assistance and other essential services at the markets during the Eid trading period.
The seasonal cattle trade remains a vital source of income for rural families in Kendua, particularly for small-scale farmers who depend on Eid livestock sales as a major part of their annual earnings. As preparations for Eid al-Adha continue, the bustling markets are expected to play an increasingly important role in the local rural economy.