8,000 more cattle surplus in Bhuapur this Eid

Md Mamun Sarker, Bhuapur (Tangail)

A total of 22,344 animals are ready for sacrifice in Bhuapur Upazila of the district. The demand for animals for sacrifice in the upazila is 13,890. Even after meeting the local demand, there will be a surplus of 8,490 animals, which will be supplied to the cattle markets of Dhaka and surrounding upazilas and districts, according to the local livestock department.

The sale of sacrificial animals has already started in the local cattle markets. Farmers in the upazila are busy fattening their cows for the last minute. Due to the high price of fodder, the farmers have reduced the number of cows in the farms. However, currently, the local cattle farmers are raising the sacrificial animals with completely natural food including oilcake, husk, straw, green grass, maize and chickpeas. With Eid-ul-Azha in sight, the farm workers are spending more time taking extra care of the animals and fattening them. They are earning a living by working in these farms.

Local farmers Abdus Sattar and Rafi Chakdar said, “We have been fattening the cows with completely natural food without any additives. The cost has increased a little this year due to the high price of fodder. However, if cows do not come from outside the country and if we get a fair price, we will be able to benefit.”

Upazila Livestock Officer Dr Swapan Chandra Debnath said, “This year there are 528 small and big cow farms in Bhuapur. There are more animals ready for sacrifice in the upazila than required. We have been providing all kinds of advice, including medical services, for farmers’ benefit.”