No shortage of sacrificial animals as supply exceeds by 22 lakh: Minister
Citing the latest data from the Department of Livestock Services (DLS), he said the available animals include 56,95,878 cattle and buffaloes and 66,32,307 goats and sheep.
Highlights:
- Projected demand: 10,106,334 animals
- Supply exceeds demand by 22,27,506 animals
- Majority are cattle, goats, and sheep
- Cattle/buffalo: 56,95,878; goats/sheep: 66,32,307
- 27 cattle markets designated in Dhaka city
- No livestock markets near border areas
There will be no shortage of sacrificial animals during Eid-ul-Azha this year as supply is set to exceed demand by 22.27 lakh, Fisheries and Livestock Minister Mohammed Aminur Rashid said today (3 May).
Speaking at a press conference at the Secretariat, the minister said the total number of animals suitable for sacrifice has been estimated at 12,333,840, against a projected demand of 10,106,334.
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Of the total stock, 5,695,878 are cattle and buffaloes, 6,632,307 goats and sheep, and 5,655 belong to other species.
To facilitate Eid-ul-Azha trading, more than 3,600 livestock markets will be set up across the country. In the capital city, 27 markets have been designated—16 under the Dhaka North City Corporation and 11 under the Dhaka South City Corporation—where 20 veterinary medical teams will be deployed.
The government will also take a harsher stance against extortion targeting trucks carrying sacrificial animals, the minister said, adding that law enforcement agencies will remain active round the clock to ensure security for traders and buyers, including through plainclothes deployment if necessary.
To protect local farmers, livestock markets near border areas will be shut down to prevent the entry of animals from neighbouring county, which previously caused losses to domestic producers.
Online sales of sacrificial animals will continue this year without any fees, while training programmes have been arranged for butchers and workers to ensure proper handling of sacrificial hides and prevent damage.
State Minister Sultan Salauddin Tuku, Secretary Md Delwar Hossain, and Director General of the Livestock Department Md Shahzaman Khan were present at the briefing.
