Cattle farmers across Bangladesh are heading into Eid-ul-Azha with mixed expectations as soaring feed and transportation costs sharply raise production expenses, threatening to erode profits from one of the year's biggest livestock trading seasons.
While many rearers remain hopeful of securing fair prices amid strong demand for sacrificial animals, concerns over possible inflows of smuggled Indian cattle and rising operating costs continue to weigh heavily on the sector.
Officials, however, say the country has sufficient livestock supplies this year, with a sizeable surplus expected during Eid markets.
Fuelled by rising feed and transportation costs over the past year, cattle rearing expenses have increased significantly ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, leaving farmers torn between hopes of fair prices and fears of mounting losses.
At the same time, local farmers are deeply worried about the possible influx of smuggled Indian cattle into sacrificial animal markets.
The Department of Livestock Services (DLS) said the country's cattle farmers and seasonal rearers have prepared approximately 5.69 million cows and buffaloes, 6.63 million goats and sheep, and more than 1,500 animals of other species for ritual sacrifice.
Fisheries and Livestock Minister Mohammed Aminur Rashid announced that the country has a surplus of around 2.4 million sacrificial animals for this Eid-ul-Azha.
Farmer Rejwan Hossain from Godagari upazila in Rajshahi said he had started rearing cattle early using local farming methods.
He said production costs had increased by around 25 per cent due to higher feed prices.
Transportation costs have also risen by 30-40 per cent because of higher diesel prices and the ongoing Middle East conflict.
He said he invested Tk 2.2 million in 13 oxen and expects a profit of around 20-25 per cent, which would help him continue in the business.
Meherpur cattle rearer Hamidur Rahman said rising feed prices have caused the greatest suffering for farmers.
He said there is also fear that local cattle markets could be flooded with smuggled cattle from northern India.
Although the illegal inflow has largely been stopped, he said the risk still remains ahead of Eid.
Rahman said he would take 33 cattle to Dhaka's Gabtoli cattle market for sale this year.
He said cattle prices are likely to increase notably this year, but
farmers remain both hopeful and worried about getting proper returns.
Md Shahzaman Khan, Director General (In-Charge) of DLS, said farmers usually rear cows and goats through long-term planning over one or two years using local methods.
Although feed and medicine costs have increased this year, he believes demand for sacrificial animals will remain strong during Eid, helping farmers secure good prices.
He also said local livestock would be sufficient to meet Eid demand.
"We are working to supply surplus animals to different parts of the country to benefit farmers. Better profits would encourage more people to become involved in cattle farming in the future," he said.
State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salauddin Tuku told the FE that the country has adequate cattle stock this year, creating a surplus and reducing reliance on imports.
He said demand stands at more than 10 million animals while availability is 12.4 million. He said border cattle markets would be shut to prevent illegal imports and safeguard local farmers.
According to the ministry, there will be 3,600 cattle markets across the country ahead of Eid, including 27 markets in Dhaka.
Mr Tuku said the government has directed coordinated action among law enforcement agencies, including Border Guard Bangladesh and Bangladesh Police, alongside district administrations and livestock offices, to ensure hassle-free transportation of livestock nationwide.
He said measures are being taken to prevent robberies of cattle-laden trucks and safeguard traders during transit via road, rail and waterways.
He added that the coordinated measures aim to ensure a safe, organised and hygienic cattle market system for millions of people participating in the annual religious ritual.
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