Local sacrificial animals ready in Rangpur division. Photo: BSS

By Md Mamun Islam
 
RANGPUR, May 15, 2025 (BSS) - As Eid-ul-Adha is approaching, a record number of 19,80,390 locally reared sacrificial animals are ready for sale at the farmer level in Rangpur division where sales are expected to pick up soon.
 
Officials of the Department of Livestock said that the production of locally reared sacrificial animals in eight districts of Rangpur division has increased by a record number to 19,80,390, which is about 5,68,000 more than the demand of about 14.12 lakh animals.
 
Talking to BSS in various areas, cattle farm owners and farmers said that despite the increase in feed prices, they have produced a record number of local animals and are expecting better prices for sacrificial animals this time.
 
On the other hand, cattle traders said that the sale of sacrificial animals is likely to get momentum in the coming days before the Eid-ul-Adha festival, when buyers will start buying sacrificial animals in bulk.
 
At the same time, general buyers said that they prefer healthy and medium-sized local bullocks that are raised healthily rather than artificially fattened and large-sized cattle.
 
Rangpur Divisional Livestock Directorate Director Dr. Md. Abdul Hai Sarkar said that against the demand of about 14.12 lakh animals in Rangpur division, 1,97,414 cattle farms and farmers have produced more than 19.80 lakh sacrificial animals.
 
In fact, in recent years, there has been a revolution in the livestock and dairy sector in Rangpur division, with an increase in cattle head and milk production and a reduction in rural poverty.
 
"We have more than 5.68 lakh additional sacrificial animals in Rangpur division," he added.
 
Cattle farm owners and farmers have produced huge bulls, cows, oxen, calves, buffaloes, goats, sheep and 102 camels and lambs as sacrificial animals, in addition to the animals raised in the homes and pastures of marginal farmers in the riverine areas.
 
Rangpur District Livestock Officer Dr. Md. Abu Sayeed said that this season, 25,651 cattle farms and farmers in Rangpur district have produced 3,63,312 sacrificial animals, including cows, against a demand of 2,24,752 lakh, of which 1,38,560 animals are surplus.
 
A sufficient number of livestock medical teams will soon start working at the upazila and district-level sacrificial animal markets to check the health status of sacrificial animals.
 
"To ensure smooth trading and transportation of cattle on roads and highways, currency checking machines will be installed, adequate security measures will be taken and round-the-clock patrols will be provided," he said.
 
Cattle traders Abdur Rahman and Zahur Ahmed at Lalbagh cattle market in Rangpur city said that despite the possibility of record supply of locally raised healthy beef, the price of sacrificial animals is likely to be high due to the high cost of animal fodders.
 
"Looking at the market trend, we now understand that bulls, calves and cows of popular sizes can be sold for an average of Tk 55,000 to Tk 90,000 depending on the size and quality," said cattle trader Abdur Rahman.
 
Cattle trader Mohabbat Ali at the same market said that the price of bulls and cows will increase this year due to the increase in animal prices compared to last year.
 
"Medium and medium-sized bulls are likely to be sold for Taka 90,000 to Taka 2.50 lakh, large bulls for Taka 2.60 lakh to Taka 5 lakh and extra-large bulls for Taka 5 lakh or more," he said.
 
Mahmudul Hasan, a cattle farmer from Faridabad Daktarpara village in Taraganj upazila of Rangpur, said he expects to sell his four large bulls weighing 400 kg to 700 kg for Taka 5 to 6 lakh each this year.
 
Similarly, the prices of buffalo, goat and sheep are also likely to be higher this year compared to last year.