Only a few days remain until Eid-ul-Azha. Many farmers in Chuadanga have prepared large cattle for the festival, but while the cost of raising foreign breeds has risen, buyers are showing little interest. Trade has not yet picked up at the markets, and traders are not visiting farms. All in all, the district's farmers are deeply worried about their big cattle.

Visits to farms in Sadar, Alamdanga, Damurhuda and Jibannagar upazilas found large cattle on every farm, but no joy on the farmers' faces, only frustration and fear. Some say they face heavy losses if the animals do not sell.

Farmers say they spend about Tk 1,000 a day on each animal, with treatment and care on top. They must sell to recover these costs but see no sign of hope yet. Many are waiting for the last moment, hoping the markets will pick up, traders will come and prices will rise.

Niaz Uddin, a farmer in Chuadanga Sadar, said he had prepared 11 cattle of local, Sindhi and Friesian breeds this year, fattening them with local methods through years of hard work with his family. But with prices falling, he is worried about the animals, worth Tk 30-35 lakh.

Munsur Ali, a farmer in Alamdanga upazila, said demand for local cattle in the district has grown in recent years as the supply of Indian cattle has fallen. He has raised eight cattle with care over several years, but there are no buyers. Each weighs an estimated 15-20 maunds. Although a single animal is worth Tk 5-7 lakh, many are offering Tk 2-4 lakh.

According to the Chuadanga District Livestock Office, about 2 lakh sacrificial animals, including cattle, goats, sheep and buffaloes, have been prepared in the district this year, of which 74,500 are expected to be surplus.

Chuadanga District Livestock Officer Dr Sahabuddin said demand is higher for small cattle this year, and animals within people's means are selling more, so farmers are being encouraged to raise smaller cattle.

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.