Projection of adequate supply of sacrificial animals this year  

The Department of Livestock has estimated availability of more than 10 million animals for sacrifice during Eid-ul-Azha this year. The Department is of the view that there will be no shortage of sacrificial animals. Traders are, however, apprehending shortage of animals. According to them, there was a shortage of animals last year as there was no import of cows from India at the beginning. This resulted in price hike. The same may be the case this year, according to them.

Traders are in a fix about the prices of animals. They do not have an idea about prices because of floods. Markets have not yet gained momentum.

Generally, 5.0 million to 5.5 million cows are slaughtered every year. Eighty per cent of these comes from local supply and 20 per cent from India and Myanmar. During the last few years, imports from India were very limited. Although Indian cows arrived towards the end of last year, traders raised prices showing artificial shortage. The state minister for livestock, however, said cows are available in plenty for sacrifice this year.

Livestock officials are already visiting farmers and monitoring progress of raising animals for the purpose of sacrifice. The Bangladesh Dairy Farmers' Association is of the view that the number of cows is more than what is needed for sacrifice.

Farmers have called for discouraging smuggling of cows from India. But, as import from India was stopped, prices of meat were increased several times. Currently beef sells at Tk 500 per kg and beyond. Unless import is allowed, middle class people may not be able to buy cows for sacrifice.

Because of shortage of feed due to floods, people in the northern districts are compelled to sell cows at lower prices. Homestead, where these are reared, have gone under water. Prices of feed have gone up three times. Therefore, animals are being sold at comparatively lower prices. Traders also go to villages in advance and distribute cows for fattening. They bring those back before Eid.

Gabtali haat is making preparations for sale of cows. Security will be provided to the traders who will go there for marketing of the animals. Volunteers will be recruited to work side by side with law-enforcing agencies. Gabtali haat will start working 3/4 days before Eid.

Keeping Eid-ul-Azha in view, cows are brought to Bangladesh in different ways. Although there is strict surveillance in some border areas, traders have been bringing Indian cows through some other corridors. Cows are also being brought from Myanmar, Nepal and Bhutan. Nepal and Bhutan are sending their cows via India. Satkhira border is a convenient corridor for bringing cows. Myanmar cattle are coming through Bandarban and Cox's Bazar. Because of smuggling, the farmers will not be able to make big profit.

Traders have informed that normally cattle start coming to Gabtali about seven days ahead of Eid. Sales start 3/4 days before. There will be ten counters at Gabtali. There will be a police control room. Observation towers are being built. This year about 1,50,000 animals are expected to be brought to Gabtali. Accordingly, toilet, water and related facilities are being prepared. Some people are  stocking straws. Maximum straw is sold during Eid-ul-Azha. Outside Gabtali, 22 temporary haats are being prepared for sales of cattle

The government has fixed prices per square foot of cattle raw hide at Tk 50-Tk 55 in Dhaka while those of goat at Tk 40-Tk 45 for Eid-ul-Azha. The prices for cattle hide outside Dhaka will be Tk 40-Tk 45. The current situation of tanneries, leather and leather goods industries and the international market prices have been considered while fixing prices.

No one will be able to take rawhides to Hazaribagh this year as the tannery estate inside Dhaka has been moved to Savar. The government has allowed import of adequate quantity of salt to ensure its availability to raw hide merchants during Eid festival.

Online sales of cows have already become popular in Dhaka. One need not bother to go to markets for buying animals for sacrifice. They can buy those from home. Sellers also get fair prices without help of middlemen. Again, some people are engaged in processing of cow meat. They deliver meat at the doorstep of the

buyers.

Trucks laden with cows will be allowed to go anywhere. Cash will not be carried without police escort. Cow traders will have to open bank accounts. In every haat, there will be control and watch towers. Machines will be installed for checking forged notes. There will be guards without uniform.

The writer is an economist. [email protected]