Chattogram faces 35,000 sacrificial animal shortfall for Eid-ul-Adha, but crisis unlikely

As Eid-ul-Adha approaches, Chattogram is facing a shortfall of around 35,000 sacrificial animals this year.

While the demand has reached nearly 9 lakh this year, around 8.6 lakh animals are currently available across local farms and households in the district.

However, local officials and dairy sector representatives say the shortage is unlikely to cause a crisis.

Farmers and traders from neighbouring districts—particularly from northern regions—are expected to supply additional livestock ahead of the festival.

Meanwhile, cattle farmers report that feed prices have increased by 50% to 250% over the past three years, significantly raising the cost of cattle rearing and fattening. This is expected to impact prices at this year's sacrificial animal markets.

According to the Chattogram Divisional Dairy Farmers Association, about 30,000 dairy farms operate across the district's upazilas and urban areas, each housing between 10 and 1,500 animals.

In addition, roughly 150,000 animals are being raised at the family level, with most households keeping between one and four cows.

Data from the Chattogram District Livestock Office shows that Sandwip upazila has the highest demand at 85,250 animals, while Boalkhali has the lowest at 29,742.

In contrast, Double Mooring area is facing the largest shortfall—about 37,500 animals—while Fatikchhari upazila reports a surplus of 9,111.

The current breakdown of available livestock in Chattogram includes 365,029 bulls, 121,670 oxen, 49,114 cows, 64,163 buffaloes, 25,174 goats, 55,697 sheep, and 33 other animals.

Markets for sacrificial animals are already being set up in both rural and urban areas of the district.

Each year, livestock is brought in from surrounding districts such as Khagrachhari, Rangamati, Bandarban, Kushtia, Chapainawabganj, Sirajganj, Faridpur, and Cumilla to help meet Chattogram's demand. This year is expected to follow the same pattern.

Chattogram District Livestock Officer Md Alamgir said, "There is a surplus of animals in several surrounding districts. These animals are brought to Chattogram every year, and this year too, they will help meet local demand. However, due to rising costs of feed, medicine, and maintenance, animal prices may be about 10% higher than last year."

According to district Livestock Office, demand for animals in some upazilas and city areas of Chattogram are 45,371 in Satkania, 47,004 in Chandanaish, 63,428 in Anwara, 70,180 in Patiya, 33,533 in Karnaphuli, 58,780 in Mirsarai, 56,850 in Sitakunda, 44,890 in Hathazari, 50,000 in Rangunia, 69,419 in Fatikchhari, 38,059 in Lohagara, 34,302 in Raozan, 59,404 in Banshkhali, 37,500 in Double Mooring, 30,698 in Kotwali, and 41,559 in Panchlaish.

Malik Mohammad Omar, general secretary of the Chattogram Divisional Dairy Farmers Association, said, "The number of animals raised on farms in Chattogram is not enough to meet total demand. However, traders from regions like Kushtia bring a large number of cows to major markets such as Sagarika. As a result, even with local shortages, there is rarely a crisis during Eid."