Country has over 20.68 lakh surplus livestock against Eid demand

There is no shortage of sacrificial animals for the upcoming Eid-ul-Adha, which is scheduled to be held in the first week of next month, as the country has over 20.68 lakh surplus livestock against Eid demand.

According to data from the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, an estimated over 1.28 crore animals are expected to be available for sacrifice this year. This includes over 56.02 lakh cattle and buffalo, over 68.38 lakh goats and sheep, and over 5,500 animals of other species. 

"This year, we need not to import livestock to meet domestic demand during the upcoming Eid-ul-Adha as the country has 20.68 lakh additional number of livestock so far," said Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter at a recent press conference.

As part of the government's efforts to ensure the quality and safety of sacrificial animals, she said the government has been imparting training to the farmers to prevent the use of harmful substances like steroids and hormones for fattening the animals. 

Talking to BSS, Secretary (Routine Duty) of the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock Md Tofazzel Hossain expressed hope that the Qurbani market will foster a friendly environment for both the buyers and sellers.

"The price depends on demand and supply. Since we have made the statistics through surveys, there will not be much difference between demand and supply. It seems that the prices will remain stable," he added.

He said necessary steps will be taken to ensure the safety of the market.

However, Tofazzel, said the government has taken various initiatives to ensure the quality of livestock. "We are working every day to increase the quality of livestock," he added

According to an official of the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, officials of the Department of Livestock Services are providing maximum cooperation to farmers at the field level and are also monitoring the work. 

A silent revolution has taken place in cattle production due to various initiatives of the government, including the distribution of bakna calves to farmers and marginalized people.

More than a lakh free bakna calves have been distributed among farmers and poor families in various areas of the country, including Lakshmipur, Faridpur, Noakhali, Sirajganj, Jhalokati, Narayanganj and Rajshahi. So far, the ministry has spent more than Tk 10,000 crore through 8-10 projects.