Ishwardi farmers gear up for Eid cattle markets

Cattle farms in Ishwardi upazila of Pabna are buzzing with activity ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, as farmers prepare a large supply of sacrificial animals that is expected to exceed local demand.

However, they are worried about the rising cost of cattle feed and the uncertainty of getting fair prices for their livestock.

Upazila Livestock Officer Dr. Aklima Khatun said that, as in previous years, sacrificial animals from Ishwardi will be supplied to various regions of the country.

After meeting local demand, around 40,000 surplus animals are expected to be sent to other districts.

She further stated that farmers in Ishwardi are fattening cattle entirely through natural methods.

Officials from the Department of Livestock Services are regularly visiting farms to provide advice and necessary veterinary support.

As a result, she expressed hope that farmers would receive fair prices this season.

Different farms in the upazila revealed that local and crossbred cattle have been prepared in larger numbers this year.

Farmers are spending busy days feeding, bathing, and taking care of the animals regularly.

Yet, concerns over sales and profitable prices are clearly visible on their faces.

Farmers alleged that over the last two years, the price of concentrated cattle feed has increased by Tk 400 to Tk 1,000 per sack.

At the same time, the price of dry straw has risen by Tk 200 to Tk 300 per maund, while labor costs have also gone up.

But livestock prices have not increased proportionately, creating uncertainty about fair returns.

In addition, higher fuel prices have raised transportation costs for taking animals to markets.

According to the farmers, preparing a cow now costs around Tk 28,000 per maund.

Those who hired workers for cattle rearing had to spend even more.

Therefore, they fear losses unless they receive Tk 32,000 to Tk 35,000 per maund.

They also expressed concern that if cattle from India or other countries enter the market, local farmers would suffer significant losses.

For this reason, they called for strict government monitoring at borders and cattle markets.

Sources at the Upazila Livestock Office said that this year the demand for sacrificial animals in Ishwardi is estimated at 43,282.

In contrast, 73,716 animals have been prepared at 3,055 farms across the upazila.

These include 24,112 cattle, 39,557 goats, 9,102 sheep and rams, and 7 buffaloes.

Altogether, nearly double the local demand has been met, and the surplus animals will be supplied to different districts across the country.