TANGAIL, May 20: A record number of sacrificial animals have been prepared across Tangail District ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, with nearly 40,000 livestock expected to remain surplus even after meeting local demand.
However, despite the huge supply potential, thousands of farmers and buyers are passing anxious days over fears of illegal entry of Indian cattle, excessive toll collection at cattle markets, circulation of counterfeit currency, extortion on highways and markets, and criminal activities targeting traders and buyers.
According to the District Livestock Department, a total of 233,993 animals have been prepared for sacrifice at 26,759 small and large farms across Tangail's 12 upazilas this year. The animals include bulls, oxen, cows, buffaloes, goats and sheep.
The district's overall demand for sacrificial animals this Eid stands at 195,178, leaving an expected surplus of 39,983 animals after meeting local needs.
Sources said more than 500 permanent and temporary cattle markets across the district have already become vibrant with Eid trading activities. Among them, the traditional Gobindasi cattle market in Bhuapur upazila has drawn particular attention as one of the country's largest livestock markets and a major hub for locally reared cattle.
At the same time, trading activities have intensified at the Babystand cattle market in Tangail town, as well as the Korotia, Rasulpur and Torapganj markets on the outskirts of the district headquarters.
Alongside traditional cattle markets, online cattle trading and digital platforms have also gained popularity in Tangail this year. Under initiatives taken by the Livestock Department and individual farm owners, photos, videos, weights and prices of cattle are being uploaded on Facebook pages and digital platforms.
As a result, many buyers are now able to purchase animals from home, reducing crowd pressure and hassles at physical markets to a large extent.
The district's surplus livestock, after meeting local demand, is expected to help address shortages in Dhaka and other districts, creating a cash flow worth crores of taka in the rural economy.
Farmers said the district's promising livestock sector is now facing multiple threats. One of the major concerns is the sharp increase in animal feed prices. Rising costs of straw, bran and oilcake have significantly increased production expenses over the past several months.
In this situation, farmers say the illegal smuggling of Indian cattle has become their biggest fear. They warned that if Indian cattle enter the country through illegal border routes, the local market could collapse, causing severe losses to more than 26,000 farmers in the district.
Farmers and traders also expressed concern over excessive toll collection at cattle markets, activities of pickpockets and criminal gangs, sudden illnesses affecting traders and buyers, and the circulation of fake currency.
They also stressed the need to stop extortion targeting cattle-laden trucks on the Jamuna Bridge-Tangail-Dhaka highway.
Livestock experts believe at least six coordinated measures are urgently needed to protect local farmers, ensure buyers' safety and sustain the sector's growing potential.
The proposed measures include strengthening digital security and watchtower monitoring, setting up medical camps and veterinary teams, increasing surveillance to prevent cattle smuggling, ensuring transparency in toll collection, establishing bank booths to detect counterfeit currency, and taking coordinated action involving local authorities and stakeholders to stop extortion on highways and at cattle markets.
Dewan Suman Ahmed, owner of Rahman Agro Farm in Chowbaria village under Katuli union of Tangail Sadar upazila, said rising cattle feed prices are pushing farmers into uncertainty.
"Last year I sold 38 bulls during Eid. This year I plan to sell 34 bulls," he said.
Kalihati Upazila Livestock Officer Dr Abu Saim Al Salauddin said 1,703 cattle and goat farms have been established in the upazila, where 20,569 animals have been prepared for sacrifice against a demand of 17,971, leaving a surplus of 2,598 animals.
He said farmers are fully prepared to sell their livestock during Eid-ul-Azha.
Tangail Sadar Upazila Livestock Officer Md Mehedi Hasan said marginal farmers are being provided with necessary guidance and support, while free medical camps have also been arranged at cattle markets.
District Training Officer Dr Md Shahidul Alam said farmers have already received training on producing quality cattle and goats, helping increase production through improved farm management.
Tangail District Livestock Officer Dr Md Helal Uddin Khan said the district has prepared 233,993 sacrificial animals, including bulls, oxen, cows, buffaloes, goats and sheep, against a demand of 195,178 animals this Eid season.
He said veterinary medical teams have already been deployed at permanent and temporary cattle markets across the district, while all necessary measures are being taken to ensure the safety of farmers, wholesalers and retail buyers.
