Ahead of the coming Eid-ul-Azha, 51,508 animals have been prepared for Qurbani in Dhamrai, Dhaka, about 17,000 more than local demand. Those involved believe the surplus animals will help meet Qurbani demand in the capital and other parts of the country.

Upazila livestock officer Md Mizanur Rahman estimates that animals worth Tk 500 to 600 crore could be sold in Dhamrai this year. Dhamrai's farmers are also optimistic about prices.

According to the Dhamrai upazila livestock office, about 300 farmers and growers have prepared animals for Qurbani this year: 1,225 cows and heifers, 31,043 bulls, 240 bullocks, 40 buffalo, 16,560 goats and 2,400 sheep. Local Qurbani demand in the upazila is estimated at about 35,000. Once it is met, the surplus will be supplied to Dhaka and elsewhere in the country.

Cattle rearing is a long tradition in Dhamrai. Ahead of Qurbani the upazila's farmers have raised and fattened cattle by natural, local methods, and they are busy with last-minute care in the hope of a profit.

Farmers say traders are offering less than the animals are worth, while traders say farmers are asking too much. But with no fear of Indian cattle imports this time, farmers and traders both hope to get better prices than before.

Farmers are caring for their animals round the clock: bathing them, gathering fresh grass, ensuring enough light and air, and arranging regular health checks and treatment. But they say the cost of feed, medicine and treatment has risen a lot.

Cattle farmer Md Anwar Hossain said: "We have prepared about 20 cattle on our farm for this Qurbani Eid. We raised the calves naturally on fresh grass and rice bran. Traders are now offering Tk 2 to 3 lakh per animal. But I hope prices will rise further."

Dhamrai upazila livestock officer Md Mizanur Rahman said 51,508 cattle, buffalo, goats and sheep have been prepared for Qurbani in the upazila. Besides local breeds, they include Nepali, Australian, Friesian and Haryana cattle.

After local demand is met, the rest will be supplied to Dhaka and other areas. Animals worth Tk 500 to 600 crore could be sold in Dhamrai this year, he said.

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