Chattogram: A total of 8,60,288 sacrificial animals are available in Chattogram for the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha this year, with a noted shortage of around 39,000 animals to meet the demand. The shortage is not expected to impact the market significantly, as traders typically bring animals from neighboring districts to capitalize on high demand and potential profits.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the District Livestock Department reported that 14,258 small and big farms have prepared their cattle across 15 upazilas in the district for the festival. Many temporary farms have been established in various upazilas to rear additional animals for Eid-ul-Azha. However, high costs have led to a decrease in production, which in turn has driven up the prices of sacrificial animals this year.
Cattle of diverse foreign breeds, including Nepalese, Australian, Fijian, and Haryana, have been raised in the district. A significant number of these cattle have been reared by marginalized farmers in their homesteads for sale in the Eid market. Shamsul Alam, a farmer from Banskhali upazila, highlighted that many rural households are raising cattle, viewing it as a lucrative opportunity during Eid. Dairy farming is contributing significantly to the socio-economic development of rural communities.
Shamsul Alam mentioned that his farm currently houses 38 cows, down from 46 last year due to increased food prices. Similarly, Saidul Hoque, a farm owner in Rangunia upazila, has prepared 53 cows and 15 goats, hoping for substantial profits. Abdur Rahim, a farm owner in Patiya upazila, plans to sell his cattle online, continuing a trend from the past two years, having invested heavily in raising them.
Despite these efforts, several farm owners express concerns about the animal market this year due to high prices. Md Jaber, a cattle trader in Satkhania upazila, noted that the price of cattle and goats has increased compared to last year. Iqbal Hossain, President of the Chattogram Divisional Dairy Farm Association, assured that there is a sufficient supply of cows and buffaloes for Eid-ul-Azha. He emphasized the need for strict measures to prevent the influx of smuggled animals into the market.