People flock to see Kala Manik and Raja Babu of Pabna!

Ahead of Eid-ul-Adha, preparations for sacrificial animals have been in full swing across the country. In the meantime, two huge cows—‘Kala Manik’ and ‘Raja Babu’—have become the center of discussion in Ikarjana village of Pabna’s Santhia upazila. Local farmer Anisur Rahman has been raising the two cows as a hobby for about three years. He said that the two cows are of the Friesian cross and Shahiwal cross breed. Each is more than six feet tall and weighs approximately 32 maunds, i.e. about 1200 kg.

Farmer Anisur Rahman also said that he raised the two cows with completely local food—such as raw grass, kheil, husk, straw and granular food. He raised the two cows in a natural way without using any artificial drugs or steroids. Due to this, the two cows are not only healthy and strong, but also have an eye-catching shape. Hundreds of eager people flock to see the two cows every day due to their huge size. Locals also say that such a large cow has never been seen in the area before.

Regarding the sale of the two cows, Anisur said that many people have shown interest in buying the two cows. He has priced each cow at 1.6 million taka, i.e. a total of 3.2 million taka. However, he has not sold the two cows yet as he has not received a fair price. He also expressed some concern over the recent increase in the price of cow feed.

Meanwhile, Santhia Upazila Livestock Officer Dr. Md. Zahurul Islam said that the Livestock Department is always by the side of the farmers in raising large cows and is providing necessary assistance. He said that in view of this year's Eid al-Adha, about 67,000 animals have been prepared in Santhia Upazila, which will be supplied to different parts of the country.

Raja Babu and Kala Manik are now not just two cows, but have become a glorious symbol of cow rearing in this region. With the love of the local people, the hard work of the farmers, and the cooperation of the livestock department, the two cows have set a shining example in the country's sacrificial animal market. They may go to new owners on the occasion of Eid, but they will remain in the memories of the people of Pabna for a long time.