Sherpur: A total of 1,10,000 sacrificial animals have been readied in Sherpur district for the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha festival this year.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the demand for cattle in Sherpur is set at 85,477, and the surplus 24,523 animals are planned to be distributed to other districts across the country.
A survey of various farms in the district headquarters reveals that livestock farmers in Sherpur are intensifying their activities as Eid-ul-Azha approaches. Farmers are meticulously feeding and caring for their cows, ensuring that the sacrificial animals are prepared using completely natural methods. This year, they have successfully raised several improved breeds of cattle, including Brahma, Shahiwal, Holstein, Desi, and Friesian.
Despite their efforts, farmers express concerns about securing fair prices due to rising cow feed costs and the influx of Indian cows. The District Animal Resources Department reports that there are approximately 13,762 farmers across the five upazilas in Sherpur. Many families are also independently raising cows, buffaloes, and goats. Local cows remain in high demand among buyers, as is the case every year.
Mosharraf Mia, a farmer from Lachmanpur in Sherpur Sadar, stated, “Every year we prepare different breeds of cows for sacrifice.” However, the unexpected rise in cow feed prices has posed challenges. He urged authorities to enhance surveillance to prevent the entry of Indian cows through Sherpur’s border.
Zaman Mia, a farmer from Pakuria union in Sadar upazila, noted that the increased cost of cow feed has raised the expenses of raising cattle. He mentioned that traders frequently visit to inspect the cows, engaging in price negotiations. Failure to secure fair prices may lead to difficulties for both small and large farmers.
Cattle trader Julhas Uddin from Kamar Char in Sadar upazila reported that traders are directly visiting farms to purchase healthy and robust cows. He highlighted that cow prices are higher this year compared to previous years.
Sherpur’s Additional Superintendent of Police Md. Mizanur Rahman Bhuiyan emphasized that intelligence surveillance has been intensified in border areas to curb the illegal entry of Indian cows. Special police units in white uniforms will also monitor markets to prevent counterfeit money transactions.
Additional District Animal Resources Officer Dr. Mohammad Fazlul Haque assured that veterinary surgeons are actively providing advice and support to farmers before Eid-ul-Azha. Additionally, monitoring is in place to ensure no farmer resorts to artificial fattening of cows.