A total of 74,584 livestock has been prepared in 6,225 farms and households across the seven upazilas in Moulvibazar, which is 2,812 more than the local demand ahead of the Eid-ul-Azha.
However, farmers are worried about the price hike of cattle feed, increased production costs, and the uncertainty of obtaining a fair price in the market. Many fear they will incur losses again this year if they do not receive good prices at the sacrificial animal markets.
According to the District Livestock Office, cows, buffaloes, goats, and sheep have been fattened through natural methods in various farms and homes across Sadar, Rajnagar, Kulaura, Barlekha, Kamolganj, Sreemangal, and Juri upazilas.
Upazila-wise data reveals that the highest number of animals, 16,178, has been prepared in Sadar upazila. Additionally, 14,964 animals are ready in Kulaura, 12,239 in Barlekha, 10,494 in Sreemangal, 8,167 in Rajnagar, 6,828 in Juri, and 5,713 in Kamalganj.
A visit to various farms in the district showed that farmers are passing a busy time caring for their sacrificial animals. Some are feeding special diets to the cows, while others are providing regular baths and grooming. To attract buyers, many farms have also given attractive names to their animals.
Behind this bustle of preparation, the anxiety of the farmers is growing. Farmers said that the cost of rearing each animal has increased by 25 to 30 per cent due to the price hike of almost all types of cattle feed.
Emad Mia, a farmer from Kaliargaon village in Sadar upazila, said, “I have prepared 15 bulls for Qurbani this time. But I am worried about the profit due to the abnormal price hike of cattle feed.”
Similarly, Mujahidul Islam, a farmer from Sreemangal, said, “I have prepared 10 livestock, including three large buffaloes and several bulls. But the prices of straw and bran have increased so much that I am struggling to rear the animals. If I don’t get a fair price in the market, I will have to count losses.”
Arif Hossain, manager of Sreemangal Agro Farm in Sreemangal upazila, said that last year, their farm’s much-discussed massive bull named “Tufan” did not sell at the expected price. Although the price of the bull, weighing about 1,150 kg, rose to Tk13 lakh, it eventually had to be sold at half that price. Based on that experience, they have not prepared any large-sized cattle this year.
Meanwhile, the arrival of buyers has already begun at various farms in the district. Many are booking their preferred animals in advance, which has provided a glimmer of hope for the farmers.
District Livestock Officer Md Ashraful Alam Khan said, “It will be possible to meet the demand for Qurbani in the district with the animals produced by local farmers. In most farms, animals have been fattened in a natural way. Regular advice and technical assistance are being provided to the farmers.”
