A total of 5,517 surplus sacrificial animals have been prepared in Gopalganj ahead of Eid-ul-Azha this year, according to the Department of Livestock Services (DLS).
Officials said 40,958 cattle and other livestock have been reared at 4,838 farms across the district’s five upazilas for Eid sacrifices, while the local demand stands at 35,441 animals.
District Livestock Officer Dr Gobinda Chandra Sardar said the district remains self-sufficient in sacrificial animal production and is capable of supplying livestock to other districts as well.
Among the prepared animals are 21,002 bulls, 175 oxen, 5,251 cows, 80 buffaloes, 14,295 goats and 155 sheep.
He said farmers fattened the animals naturally using straw, wheat and pulse bran, grass, oilcake and feed without applying harmful chemicals or steroids.
“The livestock department closely monitored the fattening process. The meat of these animals is safe for human consumption,” he said.
According to district-wise statistics, Gopalganj Sadar has prepared 9,250 animals against a demand of 9,014, leaving a surplus of 236.
Muksudpur has prepared 12,187 animals against a demand of 11,755, while Kashiani recorded the highest surplus with 6,920 animals against a demand of 4,585, leaving an excess of 2,335.
In Kotalipara, 8,362 animals have been prepared against a demand of 5,965, creating a surplus of 2,397, while Tungipara has a surplus of 117 animals after preparing 4,239 livestock against a demand of 4,122.
Officials said 15 cattle markets have already been set up across the district, where veterinary medical teams are working round the clock to ensure healthy livestock trading.
To prevent robbery and counterfeit currency transactions during Eid cattle trading, authorities have also introduced six cashless cattle markets in the district.
Buyers and sellers will be able to complete transactions through bank accounts and digital payment systems without carrying cash, officials said.
Gopalganj Sadar Upazila Livestock Officer Dr Prabhas Chandra Sen said police have assured safe transportation of sacrificial animals to markets in and outside the district.
Farmer Radheshyam Poddar from Sonakur village in Gopalganj town said he has been rearing cattle for the past 10 years following DLS guidance.
“This year I have fattened eight cows and hope to sell them for at least Tk50 lakh,” he said.
However, he added that rising feed prices significantly increased production costs this year.
“If no cattle are imported from India or other countries, we expect fair prices at the Eid markets,” he added.
