Photo: BSS

NAOGAON, May 12, 2026 (BSS) - Ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, cattle farmers across Naogaon district are passing busy days rearing sacrificial animals, with nearly 8 lakh cattle prepared to meet local and national demand.

Farmers are taking extra care of the animals to ensure better prices in the upcoming Eid markets. Indigenous breeds alongside Shahiwal cattle are being raised on farms, while traditional and natural fattening methods are widely being followed.

According to the District Livestock Office, around 38,909 small and large farmers in the district have raised approximately 8 lakh sacrificial animals, including bulls, oxen, cows, buffaloes, goats, and sheep. 

Against the district’s estimated demand of 3.87 lakh animals, more than 4.10 lakh cattle will be supplied to other districts, including Dhaka and Chattogram.

Farmers said the animals are being fattened naturally using flour, bran, straw and grass. However, the rising prices of feed ingredients have become a major concern. They claimed that prices of grain-based feed have increased by Taka 300 to Taka 500 per sack over the past three months, increasing production costs significantly.

Moslem Uddin, a farmer from Kittipur village under Sadar upazila, said his farm currently has 105 cows, most of them Shahiwal breed, along with 31 goats. The cattle are valued between Taka 1.5 lakh and Taka 4 lakh each.

“We employed seven workers on the farm. The cattle are fed three times daily with flour, bran, khoil, hay, and grass. But due to the sharp increase in feed prices, we are worried about getting fair prices for the animals,” he said.

Another farmer, Shah Alam, said he raises five to seven cows every year for Eid-ul-Azha. This year, he has prepared five cows for sale.

“The price of cattle feed has risen drastically. A 50-kg sack that previously cost Taka 1,800 is now selling at Taka 2,000, while feed that cost Taka 800 is now priced around Taka 1,300,” he said, adding that small farmers would struggle to survive if prices continue to rise.

Naogaon Sadar Upazila Livestock Officer Dr. Mohammad Aminul Islam said proper health management remains crucial in cattle farming.

“Regular deworming and vaccination are essential, and these services are being provided at government rates. Since most granular feed ingredients depend on imports, prices have slightly increased due to the ongoing global situation,” he said.

District Livestock Department Training Officer Dr. Gaurang Kumar Talukder said the department is providing training, medical services, and technical advice to encourage natural cattle rearing and reduce farmers’ production costs.

He added that naturally raised healthy cattle increase consumer confidence and help farmers secure better profits during Eid markets.