Published: 12:10 AM, 16 May 2026 Last Update: 12:20 AM, 16 May 2026
Cattle farmers worried over profits, seek curb on Indian influx
Cattle farmers and householders in Chapainawabganj are busy taking care of sacrificial animals ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, with more than 2 lakh animals prepared in the district this year.
According to the District Livestock Department, 226,050 animals, including cows, goats, sheep and buffaloes, have been prepared for sacrifice. Against a local demand of 167,020 animals, the district has a surplus of 58,848, UNB reports.
Visits to different areas of the district showed that farmers are providing intensive care to animals at farms and homes.
Farmers said they raise the animals naturally with nutritious feed, without using steroids or harmful substances. However, many expressed concerns over rising production costs and profit uncertainty due to increased animal feed prices.
They also urged the authorities to take effective measures to stop the illegal entry of Indian cattle through border, fearing that it could negatively affect local farmers.
Ashraful Alam Rashid, a farmer from Shibganj upazila, said the prices of animal feed and related products have surged sharply in recent months.
"Feed that previously cost Tk 40 now costs Tk 60, while products sold for Tk 20 are now priced at Tk 30. It has become difficult to manage farms because of rising expenses," he said.
Rashid said though the Livestock Department is extending support, farmers also need interest-free loans and financial assistance.
"If the government provides subsidies, local farmers will be able to contribute more to meeting the country's meat demand," he said.
Rashid added that the illegal entry of Indian cattle could discourage local farmers from continuing livestock farming in the future.
Shariful Islam, a farmer from the Amanura area, said he has prepared 15 cows for Eid this year.
"No steroids or harmful injections were used to fatten the cattle. The cows were raised naturally with nutritious feed," he said, expressing concern over rising feed prices.
Shariful hoped that they will receive fair market prices if Indian cattle do not enter the country illegally.
Other farmers in the district echoed similar concerns, saying the country currently has sufficient sacrificial animals and that stricter measures are needed to prevent illegal cattle entry across the border to protect local farmers.
Acting District Livestock Officer Dr Sharmin Akhter said the department is providing all-out support to farmers.
"This year, around 30 percent more animals have been prepared in Chapainawabganj than the local demand," she said, adding that the surplus will help meet demands in other districts as well.
Sharmin also said the government has taken necessary steps to prevent the illegal entry of Indian cattle through border and expressed hope that local farmers will receive fair prices for their animals this Eid season.
