Birganj: As Eid-ul-Azha approaches, cattle farmers in Muraripur village under Birganj upazila of the district are actively preparing various breeds of cattle for sale at local markets, with expectations of securing high returns.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, located in Shibrampur union, Muraripur has emerged as a model village where almost all families have established small to large-scale cattle farms. Each household owns between three and fifty cows, primarily raised to meet the growing demand for locally bred sacrificial animals.
Farmers are currently focused on maintaining the healthy rearing of their livestock, as traders from across the country visit the village to purchase cattle for Eid markets. The festive season brings heightened competition among villagers, with many striving to secure the best prices for their animals.
According to Birganj Upazila Livestock Officer Dr. Md. Shahriar Mannan, 27 farmers in the village received training in cattle fattening and management during the 2021-2022 fiscal years. Following this, many residents independently started farms with one or two cows, gradually expanding their operations.
The livestock department continues to provide technical support and guidance, encouraging youth participation in animal husbandry. As a result, about 97 percent of households in Muraripur are now involved in cattle farming, significantly boosting local employment and self-sufficiency.
Nazmul Hossain, a young farmer from the village, shared his success story, stating that he began in 2022 with a single calf worth Taka 27,000. He now owns 14 foreign-breed cows, each valued at approximately Taka 300,000, along with 23 local bulls prepared for Eid sales.
Other farmers echoed similar sentiments, crediting government support and training programs for their progress. Many described Muraripur as a leading example of community-driven agricultural success.
District livestock officials reported that over 131,000 cattle, including cows and buffaloes, have been prepared for sacrifice across Dinajpur this year, exceeding the district’s demand of 97,000 animals. Additionally, more than 158,000 goats and sheep are ready, far surpassing local demand, allowing surplus livestock to be supplied nationwide.
Officials expressed optimism about replicating Muraripur’s success in other areas, saying that widespread adoption of cattle farming could address both meat shortages and rural unemployment.
District Livestock Officer Dr. Abdur Rahim said that Muraripur stands out as a unique example in the country, where nearly every household is engaged in livestock farming-an achievement driven by both community initiative and institutional support.