NATORE, May 23: Cattle farmers and livestock promoters in Natore District have produced 4,75,437 sacrificial animals for the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha, exceeding local demand by 2,00,826 animals.
The surplus will be sent to other parts of the country for sale, according to official sources.
The District Livestock Department reported that 20,374 farmers raised animals for the occasion.
The total includes 1,18,505 cows, 2,520 buffaloes, 3,20,371 goats, 34,038 sheep, and three other animals.
While the district's actual demand stands at 2,74,611 animals, the surplus after meeting local needs amounts to 2,00,826.
The Livestock Department has taken various measures to ensure the production of healthy animals fit for sacrifice. These include training for 425 farmers, organising 114 yard sittings, and distributing 5,000 awareness leaflets.
Dr. Md. Salim Uddin, District Livestock Officer, said that apart from providing necessary guidance, the department has taken steps to prevent animal theft and facilitate cattle transportation and financial transactions for buyers and sellers.
Rekat Ali, a model cattle farmer from the Dalsarak area of Sadar Upazila, said he has raised 150 cattle for Eid at his farm, cultivating grass on 20 bighas of land to feed them.
He added that most of his customers come from Dhaka every year, and he has already sold 45 cows to buyers from the capital.
Meanwhile, Akbar Ali, proprietor of Aisha Agro Farm in the Teberia area of Natore Town, said he is preparing to send cows to Dhaka and Noakhali for trading.
Shamim Salim, a buyer who came to the Singra Upazila cattle market on Monday, said the abundant supply of cattle this year may lead to lower prices.
Notably, the district administration has set up 12 permanent and 14 temporary cattle markets across the district.
