Natore: The district has prepared a surplus of more than two lakh sacrificial animals ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, with traders and farmers already sending cattle and goats to markets across the country, including the capital Dhaka.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the District Livestock Department reported that a total of 4,75,437 sacrificial animals have been prepared this year by 20,374 farmers in the district. This number includes 1,18,505 cows, 2,520 buffaloes, 3,20,371 goats, 33,038 sheep, and three other animals. The estimated local demand in the district stands at 2,74,611 animals, leaving a surplus of 2,00,826 animals for supply to other regions.
District livestock officials indicated that extensive preparations and awareness activities have been carried out to ensure safe animal farming and marketing during the Eid season. So far, 425 farmers have received training, 114 yard meetings have been held, and around 5,000 leaflets have been distributed to discourage the use of harmful chemicals in cattle fattening.
District Livestock Officer Dr. Md Selim Uddin mentioned that farmers are being advised on cattle transportation, financial transactions, and farm security to prevent theft and ensure safe trading. Among the prominent farms in the district, Dreamland Dairy Farm in the Dalsarak area of Sadar upazila has prepared more than 150 sacrificial animals this year.
Farm owner Rekat Ali stated that most buyers are coming from Dhaka and other districts. “Interested buyers visit the farm directly and purchase animals after inspection. I have already sold 45 cows, including one that fetched Taka 22 lakh,” he said. He added that the farm recently collected 45 Sundarban breed cows suitable for low-budget buyers due to their smaller size.
Meanwhile, Aisha Agro Farm in the Tebaria area of Shahartali has prepared 80 cows for Eid markets. Farm owner Akbar Ali said preparations are underway to transport cattle not only to Natore markets but also to Dhaka and Noakhali. Farmers from Natore traditionally sell cattle in several major Dhaka markets, including Kachukhet, Gabtoli, Mirpur, Shahjahanpur, Baridhara, Hazaribagh, Badda, Mouchak, Cantonment Hat, Tejgaon, and Rampura.
At Singra Hat in Natore on Monday, large numbers of cattle, goats, buyers, and sellers were seen gathering, although bargaining reportedly outweighed actual sales. Seller Haresh Ali noted that he demanded Taka 1.5 lakh for a cow, while buyers were offering Taka 1.2 lakh. Buyer Abdus Shamim Selim expressed his expectation that cattle prices would remain comparatively lower this year and planned to wait before making a purchase.
During a visit to Singra Hat, Dr. Selim Uddin said veterinary teams from the livestock department are working in all 12 permanent cattle markets in the district to help buyers identify healthy animals and receive necessary guidance. He added that trading activities in 12 permanent and 14 temporary cattle markets, along with the transportation of animals outside the district, have already begun this week. “We are maintaining round-the-clock communication and providing necessary guidelines to farmers transporting cattle to different parts of the country to ensure safe marketing activities,” he said.