Chapainawabganj: Cattle farmers and householders in Chapainawabganj are busy taking care of sacrificial animals ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, with more than 2 lakh animals prepared in the district this year.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the District Livestock Department reports that 226,050 animals, including cows, goats, sheep, and buffaloes, have been prepared for sacrifice. Against a local demand of 167,020 animals, the district has a surplus of 58,848. Visits to different areas of the district showed that farmers are providing intensive care to animals at farms and homes.
Farmers stated they raise the animals naturally with nutritious feed, without using steroids or harmful substances. However, many expressed concerns over rising production costs and profit uncertainty due to increased animal feed prices. They also urged the authorities to take effective measures to stop the illegal entry of Indian cattle through the border, fearing that it could negatively affect local farmers.
Ashraful Alam Rashid, a farmer from Shibganj upazila, commented on the sharp surge in prices of animal feed and related products. He stated, 'Feed that previously cost Tk 40 now costs Tk 60, while products sold for Tk 20 are now priced at Tk 30. It has become difficult to manage farms because of rising expenses.' Rashid also noted that while the Livestock Department is extending support, farmers need interest-free loans and financial assistance. He emphasized that government subsidies would enable local farmers to contribute more to meeting the country's meat demand.
Rashid further indicated that the illegal entry of Indian cattle could discourage local farmers from continuing livestock farming in the future. Shariful Islam, a farmer from the Amanura area, said he has prepared 15 cows for Eid this year and has used no steroids or harmful injections to fatten the cattle. He expressed concern over the rising feed prices.
Other farmers in the district echoed similar concerns, noting that the country currently has sufficient sacrificial animals. They called for stricter measures to prevent illegal cattle entry across the border to protect local farmers. Acting District Livestock Officer Dr. Sharmin Akhter stated that the department is providing comprehensive support to farmers. She noted that this year, around 30 percent more animals have been prepared in Chapainawabganj than the local demand, and the surplus will help meet demands in other districts as well.
Sharmin also mentioned that the government has taken necessary steps to prevent the illegal entry of Indian cattle through the border and expressed hope that local farmers will receive fair prices for their animals this Eid season.