Sacrificial animals demand in Ctg estimated at 818,000

Extensive preparations for the selling of sacrificial animals have been completed in the port city of Chattogram and elsewhere in the district ahead of the upcoming Eid-ul-Adha.

This year, the total demand for sacrificial animals in 14 upazilas of Chattogram, including the metropolitan areas, has been estimated at 818,671, while 783,152 sacrificial animals – cows, buffaloes, goats, and sheep – are currently available from local farmers and livestock farms. As a result, there will be a shortfall of 35,519 animals compared to the demand. However, the Livestock Department has assured that there is no reason for concern, as additional animals are expected to arrive from the three hill districts.

According to officials, livestock from districts such as Kushtia, Faridpur, Naogaon, and Sirajganj will help bridge the gap. They also added that, ultimately, the total supply may even exceed overall demand.

The District Livestock Department said, "There have also been some changes in the demand for sacrificial animals in the Chattogram market this year compared to the previous year."

The demand for sacrificial animals during last year's Eid-ul-Adha was 896,269, which has decreased by about 77,000 this year. Alongside the reduced demand, animal production has also seen a slight decline compared to the previous year.

Livestock Department officials concerned believe that the price of animals may increase slightly this year compared to the last year due to the high price of animal feed, increase in labor wages and the global energy crisis.

Chattagram District Livestock Officer Dr. Md. Alamgir told TBS, 'In contrast with the demand, production has also been slightly lower this year. However, the existing amount of livestock stock is sufficient for the residents of the entire district. Besides, adequate livestock will come from different districts to meet the slight shortage.

According to the information of the Department of Livestock, there is a total of 7, 14430 livestock available in different upazilas of Chattogram district this year. The highest number of 69, 478 animals are available in Fatikchhari upazila. Besides, there are 60,340 animals in Mirsarai, 62,310 in Sandwip, 43,820 in Sitakunda, 54,756 in Hathazari, 43,608 in Raozan, 46,561 in Rangunia, 31,162 in Boalkhali, 59,735 in Patiya, 38,559 in Chandanaish, 52,998 in Satkania, 37,291 in Lohagara, 60,389 in Banshkhali, 40,980 in Anwara and 32,443 in Karnaphuli Upazila. On the other hand, there is a total stock of 49,730 animals in Panchlaish, Kotwali and Double Mooring areas of the port city.

With the Eid-ul-Adha in sight, the total revenue of the Chattagram City Corporation (CCC) from the permanent cattle markets and the city's other markets is estimated at around Tk13.42Cr. The organisation has already finalised all preparations to collect revenue, manage the market and to keep the supply chain normal during this season.

Out of these, the city's three permanent cattle markets generate income of Tk99.85, 043.  Sagarika Cattle Market, one of the largest cattle markets of the port city, has been leased for Tk88.57, 086, which alone accounts for a large portion of the total income. In addition, Muradpur's Bibir Hat has been leased for Tk68.10, 000 and the Postarpar Goat Market has been leased for Tk12.21, 78, 786.