Photo : BSS

SHARIATPUR, May 14, 2026 (BSS) - The farmers of the district are spending busy days preparing sacrificial animals at commercial and family-run farms ahead of the Eid-ul-Azha. 

Around 25,000 family and commercial farms have been established in the district where the farmers prepared more than 150,000 cows, goats and buffaloes for the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha, official sources said here today.

According to local livestock department, healthy and chemical-free animals have been raised in the district to ensure food safety for consumers. The prepared animals are expected to meet local demand for sacrificial livestock as well as supply neighboring districts.

Farmers are maintaining strict hygiene measures at farms including regular cleaning and timely bathing of cattle, goats and buffaloes to keep them disease-free. The animals are being fed chemical-free feed, corn, bran, oilcake, green grass and clean water.

Farmers said they are raising livestock safely under the guidance of livestock officials and veterinary doctors ensuring that the meat remains safe for human consumption.

The growth of commercial farms over the past few years has also created employment opportunities for many people in the district. Workers at the farms said their financial condition and social status have improved significantly through farm employment, enabling them to support their families and educate their children.

This year, many farmers in Shariatpur have prepared buffaloes alongside cows for Eid sacrifices. Farms across the district have readied animals ranging from Taka 100,000 to Taka 500,000 in value, while some large cattle are priced between Taka 10 lakh and Taka 15 lakhs. Farmers hope to make profits if Indian cattle imports remain restricted.

Aziz Sardar, chairman of Dingamanik Union Parishad and a farm owner, told BSS that he has raised buffaloes along with cattle this year. He said his farm has three giant bulls ‘Dhala Manik’ weighing 27 maunds, ‘Kalo Manik’ weighing 25 maunds and ‘Donald Trump’ weighing 26 maunds, which he expects to sell for Taka 15 lakh to Taka 20 lakh each.

Another farmer, Ali Ahammed Kazi, chairman of Bijhari Union Parishad, said his farm has more than 100 cattle. He expressed his hope that local farmers would be able to sell all their livestock profitably.

Upazila Livestock Officer Dr. Faruk Hossain said the local livestock department is working closely with farmers with government support to help to meet up Eid-ul-Azha demand and ensure profitability. Officials are providing regular treatment, advice and training on preparing nutritious and safe animal feed.

He added that small family farms in the district usually raise three to five cattle, while commercial farms rear between five and over a hundred cattle and buffaloes. 

According to the livestock department, six upazilas of the district have an estimated demand for around 100,000 sacrificial animals and the district is expected to supply additional livestock to nearby areas.