Livestock production in Chattogram has declined by 9 per cent over the last year, primarily driven by the escalating costs of animal feed, medicine, labour, and fuel. Stakeholders are concerned that this drop may impact the sacrificial animal market during the upcoming Eid-ul-Adha.
According to data from the District Livestock Office, 783,151 heads of livestock have been prepared in farms across the Chattogram metropolitan area and its sub-districts this year. This is a significant decrease from the 860,882 animals prepared last year, representing a total reduction of 77,731 animals.
Statistics show that this downward trend is the lowest in recent years. In 2024, production stood at 852,359; in 2023, it was 842,165; and in 2022, the figure was 791,501.
A breakdown of the figures reveals a decline across all categories. Cow production has fallen to 499,279 from last year’s 535,813. Goat production dropped to 194,519 from 251,074, while the number of buffaloes decreased to 47,834 from 64,163.
Sheep production also saw a decline, falling to 41,423 from 55,697 in the previous year.
Farmers have identified the abnormal price hike of animal feed as the primary factor behind the decline. They alleged that a lack of market monitoring has allowed feed prices to nearly double in a short period.
Additional burdens include rising costs for animal medicine, labour, electricity, and fuel.
Mizanur Rahman, manager of Rupali Agro in Sitakunda, told TIMES of Bangladesh that the rising costs of fuel, labour, and feed have significantly increased overall production expenditures.
Similarly, Azgar Ali, a farmer from Mirsarai, noted that the cost to fatten an animal has risen sharply.
“We now have to pay a worker between Tk 22,000 and Tk 25,000 per month,” Ali said.
He added that frequent power outages necessitate the use of generators, further increasing costs, and noted that many farmers have reduced their livestock numbers or investment due to these financial pressures.
There are 14,258 farms of various sizes in Chattogram, with significant production hubs located in Mirsarai, Patiya, Sitakunda, Fatikchhari, Hathazari, Anwara, and Banshkhali. Farmers are calling for effective market monitoring of feed prices and the provision of easy-term loans and incentives to sustain the sector.
Despite the decline, District Livestock Officer Dr Md Alamgir stated that a major crisis is unlikely. He explained that the deficit is traditionally met by a large supply of animals from the country’s northern regions, including Bogra and Kushtia, as well as hilly areas.
Regarding the possibility of importing animals, Dr Alamgir dismissed the need for foreign supply. “There is no need to bring in animals from outside the country. Our domestic production is sufficient to meet demand. We are not granting permission for imports,” he said, adding that law enforcement agenies are responsible for preventing cattle smuggling.
