A total of 200,989 animals have been prepared in Nilphamari ahead of the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha, according to the district livestock officer.
Dr Monakka Ali assured that there will be no shortage of sacrificial animals this year, with the district having twice the number of cattle compared to last year. The latest numbers indicate a surplus of 126,264 animals compared to the previous year.
He said: "Farmers have been naturally fattening cows through a diet comprising straw, grass, hay, rice husks, etc. The animals are under constant supervision by the officials of the district's livestock office. They have been providing farmers with guidance on avoiding the misuse of drugs and chemical feed.”
“Farmers are advised against purchasing or selling diseased or unfit animals for sacrifice. To ensure compliance, a monitoring team has been established at the upazila level, led by each upazila livestock officer," he added.
Beside Haji Mohsin Road in the district town, this correspondent came across Belal Mia's farm, where approximately 35 cows were being prepared for Eid-ul-Azha.
Belal said: "This year, our local cows will fill up the animal markets. Farmers have an abundance of cows."
Abul Kalam, hailing from Singdai village, said: "For this occasion, I have prepared 20 local cows. However, when considering the cost of cow feed and the wages of workers, it becomes challenging to recoup the expenses associated with a single cow."
Atiyar Rahman, a cow trader in the same area, said: "There will be double the number of cows bought and sold this year than last year during the Covid-19 period. Both farmers and traders will benefit from this."
Nilphamari Sadar Upazila Livestock Officer Dr Md Abdur Razzak said: "This time the upazila has 15,498 animals ready for sacrifice. I hope there will be no shortage of animals this Eid. Both farmers and traders will benefit from this."
