Photo: BSS

JHENAIDAH, May 17, 2025 (BSS) - Farm owners and farmers have been raising
cattle on a commercial basis in six upazilas of the district for 25 years.

This time too, before the upcoming Eid preparations are underway in cattle
farms. About 2.63 lakh animals have been prepared in the district in a
healthy manner.

After meeting local demand, at least 70 thousand animals, particularly
cattle, goats, and sheep can be sent to animal markets in different parts
across the country for sacrificial purposes during the Eid-ul-Azha.

There will be no shortage of animals for sacrifice in the local markets of
the district this year as more than 2.63 lakh cattle have been prepared at
18,500 farms in six upazilas of the district.

After meeting local demand, there may be a surplus of at least 70,000 animals
which will be supplied to the cattle markets of other parts of the country.

The import and smuggling of Indian animals through the border areas of the
district has decreased this year. As a result, farmers and local animal
traders are optimistic about getting good prices for their animals in the
sacrificial markets this time.

As a border district, the smuggling of cattle through the Maheshpur border
has decreased and the wave of Indian cattle has been largely prevented by the
strict action of the BGB-58 Battalion in Maheshpur and the other law
enforcement agencies.

This year, about 2,63,129 animals-- 95,475 cows, 2,246 buffaloes, 155,363
goats and 10,045 sheep-- have been prepared for the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha in
six upazilas of the district, according to the District Livestock Office.

Farmers Khanjahan Ali, Hafizur Rahman and Azadur Rahman said that the last-
minute work of preparing cows and goats for sacrifice is underway in all
farms.

Cattle traders Ziaur Rahman, Hossain Ali and Mizanur Rahman said this time,
the village farmers along with the big farms have also prepared an average of
3/4 cattle in each house.

Traders from outside including Dhaka and Chattogram have not started coming
to the cattle markets yet. That is why the prices are still normal. The
markets of sacrificial animals in Dhaka and other parts of the country are
expected to gain full momentum starting next week as Eid-ul-Azha festival
approaches.

District Animal Resources Officer Dr. ASM Atiquzzaman said farmers in the
district are playing a unique role in beef production. There are more than
18,000 farmers in the district.

Regular advice and medical assistance for cattle is being provided to farmers
through the Animal Resources Department.

He also said that there is a demand for about one lakh 93 thousand 376
animals in the Jhenaidah district ahead of Eid-ul-Azha [Qurbani] but the
farms in the district have prepared more animals.

Meanwhile, farmers are preparing to supply these animals to the markets of
Dhaka, Chattogram, Cumilla and Narayanganj districts.