Despite an ongoing devastating flood, and shortage of cattle feed, there will be no shortfall of sacrificial animals during the Eid-ul-Azha in the country. Due to government initiatives, farmers will not have to face losses, confirmed Dr. A B M Khaleduzzaman, assistant director (farm) of the livestock department, to Bangladesh Post.
As there are around 4.50 lakh cattle farmers, and as the government provided all sorts of help, the country has reached a certain position in cattle production and now it is self-sufficient in cattle production, he added. According to the livestock department information, the country now has a total of 1.17 crore sacrificial animals. Of the total stock, there are 45 lakh cows-buffalos and 72 lakh goat and sheep ready for the upcoming Muslim religious festival.
Bangladesh Meat Traders Association secretary, Rabiul Alam said, there will not be any shortfall of sacrificial animals in the country during Eid. Whatever the demand, it can be fulfilled through the country’s production. Due to floods across the country, cattle farmers fear losing a big amount as they have a shortage of cattle feed.
Keeping Eid-ul-Azha ahead, most of them were rearing those sacrificial animals, but as the animals are suffering from malnourishment, farmers are calculating what amount are they going to subsidize. According to farmers' information, it was learned that, to rear a good breed of cattle they have to spend a least Tk one lakh, of which they can earn at least Tk 25000 after selling per animal on eid.
However, for the sudden flood, cropland and cow sanctuary have been submerged, and as the roads have also gone underwater, lack of transportation has caused regional markets to go out of processed cattle feed. As a result, these sacrificial animals could not be fed properly, turning most of them thin, weak and prone to water-borne disease.
The scenario was found at Faridpur, Kurigarm, Bagura, Gaibandha, Jamalpur and other major parts where flood is being witnessed since July 12. Acknowledging the shortage of cattle feed, livestock officials informed that they have taken necessary precautions. As the flood situation is improving, separate vaccine teams are working across the country.
Khaleduzzaman said that they are concerned about the flood situation, and had already discussed the shortage of cattle feed with poultry industry association owners, and were distributing 100 tonnes of cattle feed in flood-affected areas. Upazila Parishads across the country got a certain amount, by which they are also continuing their support to provide cattle feed- he added. ‘As the department is continuously monitoring the issue and taking necessary steps, we hope the farmers will have benefits this Eid,” he further said.