Published: 10:53 AM, 21 May 2026
Satkhira prepares 120,000 sacrificial animals ahead of Eid
Cattle farmers across Satkhira district are passing busy days ahead of the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha, with around 120,000 sacrificial animals prepared for sale. However, many farmers fear that they may not receive fair prices due to soaring cattle feed costs and uncertainty in the market. According to the District Livestock Department, a total of 13,449 small and large farms have prepared sacrificial animals in the district's seven upazilas.
Officials said local production has exceeded demand this year, creating the possibility of supplying cattle to neighboring districts as well.
Farmers said the cost of raising cattle has increased sharply compared to previous years due to rising prices of feed and other commodities. Despite the higher investment, many farmers are worried about weak buyer turnout in local markets.
Alamgir Hossain, a farmer from Dhulihar Chandpur village in Sadar upazila, said he began cattle farming in 2021 with just one cow and now has 40 cows ready for Eid sales.
"Feed prices are extremely high this year, especially grain-based feed. We bought and raised cattle at much higher costs, but buyers are still limited. We are uncertain whether we will make any profit," he said. Fatema Khatun, an employee at Alamgir's farm, said she has been working there for the past three years. Her responsibilities include preparing feed, feeding the cattle, cleaning the farm, and bathing the animals. "We depend on this farm for our livelihood. But this year cattle sales are slow, and we are worried about whether the farm owner will be able to pay us properly," she said.
Another farmer, Hafizul Islam from the Rajarbagan area of Satkhira town, said he has prepared 16 cows for Eid this year but is also concerned about rising production costs.
"If illegal cattle do not enter from India or Myanmar, local farmers may still earn some profit. Otherwise, we will suffer losses," he said. Meanwhile, buyers complained that cattle prices are noticeably higher this year. Aktaruzzaman, a cattle buyer, said sellers are demanding Taka 10,000 to Taka 20,000 more per animal compared to last year.
"Farmers say they had to buy feed at higher prices, so naturally cattle prices have increased," he added.
District Livestock Officer Dr. FM Mannan Kabir said the district has sufficient stock of sacrificial animals to meet local demand.
"The demand in the district is around 120,000 animals, while over 138,000 animals have been prepared this year. After meeting local demand, surplus cattle can be supplied to nearby districts," he said. He added that livestock officials are regularly monitoring farms across the district and preparations have been taken to ensure safe and healthy cattle markets during Eid.
Officials expressed hope that farmers would ultimately benefit from the Eid cattle trade this year despite current concerns over rising costs.
>>Shaheen Golder in Satkhira
