Sacrificial animals likely to fall short in Chattogram

There might be a shortage of sacrificial animals for the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha in Chattogram as local farmers cannot reportedly meet the demand this year.

Moreover, the import of sacrificial animals from India and Myanmar has come to a halt, resulting in their price spiral here.

As many as 861,937 sacrificial animals like cows, bulls, goats, sheep and goats are now ready for sacrifice against the demand for around 950,000 this year in Chattogram, according to the District Livestock Office.

The highest demand for 85,250 animals is in Shandwip Upazila while lowest demand for 29,742 sacrificial animals is in Boalkhali upazila.

Besides, there is a demand for 69,419 sacrificial animals in Fatikchhari, 38,599 in Lohagara, 34,302 in Raozan, 59,404 in Banshkhali, 45,371 in Satkania, 47,04 in Chandanaish, 63,428 in Anwara, 70,180 in Patia, 33,533 in Karnaphuli, 58,780 in Mirsarai, 56,850 in Sitakunda, 44,890 in Hathazari, 50,000 in Rangunia, 37,500 in Double Mooring area, 30,698 in Kotwali and 41,559 in Panchlaish.

Sources said farmers were discouraged from animal husbandry mainly due to an increase in the animal feed prices. So, the prices of the sacrificial animals are likely to hike this year.

According to the District Livestock Office, a total of 861,937 sacrificial animals, including cows, bulls, goats, sheep and goats, are ready so far.

Sources said 5,35,813 cows, bulls, 64,153 buffaloes, 2,05, 174 goats, 55,697 sheep and 100 other animals among the sacrificial cattle stocked in farmers' farms in 15 upazilas of Chattogram and city areas. So, there are around 861,937 sacrificial animals in Chattogram this year for Eid-ul-Azha.

It may be mentioned that the demand for sacrificial cattle in Chattogram district was 885,765 in 2024. But, 852,359 sacrificial animals were supplied in 2024.

As a result, there is a deficit of 33,406. Besides, the demand for cattle during Eid-ul-Azha was 879,713 in 2023 while 7,70, 930 were produced in different homes and farms in Chattogram in 2023 for last Eid-Ul-Azha.

So, there was a shortage of around one lakh sacrificial animals in last Eid-ul-Azha in Chattogram.

However, the cattle production has increased slightly this year compared to last year's. District Livestock Officer Dr Md Alamgir said many farmers are collecting animals for fattening.