The dairy farm owners and individuals in six upazilas of Jhenaidah have reared a total of 2.63 lakh animals as against its yearly demand for 1.93 lakh during the Eid-ul-Azha.
The figure was additional 70 thousand this season. The scenario was almost different when huge cattle heads were brought from the neighboring country through import or smuggling in illegal way. It is an unbelievable situation in the country now, said the farm owners and the office of the district livestock officer in Jhenaidah.
Although the success in producing cattle heads in the country, the farm owners and individuals engaged in the rearing or nursing the same have been facing an untold sufferings as the prices of all sorts of fodder, green grass and straw went high, while the price of the cattle heads was not increased in last two to three years.
A number of dairy farm owners and individuals said the prices of all fodders have increased many times in recent years, while the price s of the cattle heads was unchanged. A bullock or other cattle heads which was sold at Tk 75 to 80 thousand, is still costs the same. It is completely a losing concern for them. The middlemen and butchers engaged in selling the beef in the market are benefited here, they said.
They said they were compelled to handle the cattle heads as thy receive the money at time that helps them in maintain the family costs, study of children and meet in necessary round the year.
A source related to the office of the district livestock officer (DLO) in Jhenaidah said the farmers and individuals in Jhenaidah sadar, Kaliganj, Kotchandpur, bordering Moheshpur, Shailkupa and Harinakundu have prepared 76,061 bullock, 9,856 ax, 2,246 buffalo, 155,363 goat and 10,045 rams this season that was additional 70 thousand in number. About 18,000 farmers and individuals have been playing role in rearing and nursing the animals, they said.
DLO Dr ASM Atiquzzaman when contacted said the dairy farm owners and individuals in Jhenaidah are very sincere and promising to care their animals all along.
The limited number of staff of the livestock department ignoring their limitations has been standing by them for all sorts of advice, assistance and cooperation. They producers have started sending the animals at Gabtali and other Dhaka markets in the ahead of Eid-ul-Azha.
