Noman Mosharef :
This Eid ul Azha, the country is anticipating a surplus of sacrificial animals with over 1.30 crore available nationwide, exceeding the estimated requirement of 1.10 crore.
However, rising costs of cattle feed and production are expected to push prices up by 5-10 percent this year.
This year’s livestock count surpasses last year’s figures by a significant margin, with a jump of 20 lakh animals from 2 lakh. Over 50 lakh cows and bulls, along with more than 60 lakh goats, will be available for sacrifice, alongside a smaller number of buffaloes, sheep, and camels.
Department of Livestock (DLS) officials and farmers confirm there will be a surplus despite the number of animals eligible for sacrifice remaining relatively stable.
Even with a projected 5 percent increase in animals slaughtered compared to last year (estimated at 1.05 crore), a surplus of 20 lakh animals is expected.
However, the market insiders warn of potential price hikes due to rising fodder costs, utility bills, and general living expenses. The increase reflects the country’s current inflation rate hovering around 10 percent.
DLS Director General Dr. Md. Reajul Huq, said, There is no cause for concern regarding animal availability.” He highlights the focus on domestic animals to meet demand and emphasizes border control measures to prevent illegal cattle imports.
According to the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, over 1.01 crore animals were sacrificed nationwide during the previous Eid ul Azha.
Dairy Farmers Association President Imran Hossain attributes the decline in sacrifices witnessed in 2020 and 2021 to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“As the pandemic’s impact lessens, the number of sacrificial animals and those eligible for sacrifice are on the rise. However, the increase in animal rearing hasn’t kept pace with the surge in cattle feed prices, potentially contributing to the predicted price hike,” added Imran.
Statistics provided by DLS reveal a steady rise in sacrifices prior to the pandemic, with figures exceeding 1.04 crore in 2017, 1.05 crore in 2018, and 1.06 crore in 2019.
The economic recession caused by the pandemic led to a significant drop in 2020 (94,50,263 animals) and a further decline in 2021 (90,92,242 animals).
As the country’s inflation rate is hovering around 10 per cent, the prices of cattle will also increase logically, they added.
DLS Director General Dr. Md. Reajul Huq said that like in 2023, there are more sacrificial animals than the demand this year. “We have nothing to get worried about animals ahead of Eid- ul-Azha.”
“As the demand will be met with domestic animals, we have kept a close eye on the borders so that cattle cannot enter the country illegally,” he added.
According to the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, more than 1.01 crore cattle were slaughtered across the country during Eid-ul-Azha last year.
Asked about the decline of sacrificial animal in 2020, Dairy Farmers Association President Imran Hossain said, “The number of animals slaughtered during Eid-ul-Azha had decreased substantially in 2020 and 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.”
“Since the pandemic’s impact has been minimised, the numbers of sacrificial animals and animals eligible for sacrifice are increasing every year,” he said.
But animal rearing did not increase at the rate it should have due to an abnormal increase in the prices of cattle feed, Imran said, adding that the prices of cattle may increase by 5-10 per cent this year.
According to DLS, total sacrifices in the country were over 1.04 crore in 2017. It increased to over 1.05 crore in 2018 and over 1.06 crore in 2019.
The sacrifice of animals started decreasing in 2020 due to the economic recession caused by the pandemic. In 2020, 94,50,263 animals were sacrificed around the country. In 2021, the number of animals sacrificed further dropped to 90,92,242.