Cattle slaughter up 2.5pc this Eid

The number of sacrificial animals slaughtered during this year's Eid-ul-Azha increased slightly by 0.23 million, supported by improved political stability and a gradual recovery in economic confidence, although about 2.9 million animals remained unsold, leaving many small-scale farmers facing losses.
Official data showed that 9.37 million animals were sacrificed nationwide, up from 9.14 million a year earlier, registering an increase of about 2.52 per cent.
According to preliminary estimates by the Department of Livestock Services (DLS), the animals sacrificed included 4.86 million cattle and buffaloes, 4.50 million goats and sheep, and 1,027 animals of other species.
The DLS had projected demand at 10.11 million animals against a domestic supply of 12.33 million, resulting in a surplus of nearly 2.97 million animals after Eid.
Despite the rise in animal sacrifices, the large number of unsold animals dealt a blow to smallholders, many of whom invested heavily in feed, healthcare and animal rearing over the past year amid rising production costs.
However, the country maintained a comfortable surplus of sacrificial animals, reflecting its growing self-sufficiency in livestock production.
Dhaka division recorded the highest number of sacrificed animals at 2.35 million, followed by Rajshahi with 2.34 million and Chattogram with 1.73 million.
Rajshahi led the country in goat and sheep sacrifices, while Dhaka topped the list in cattle and buffalo sacrifices.
Speaking at a briefing on Thursday, State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salauddin Tuku said the overall supply and management of sacrificial animals remained satisfactory throughout the Eid season.
He said livestock officials worked extensively at the field level to ensure smooth marketing and transportation of animals.
The minister said the government would continue promoting modern livestock technologies and farmer-friendly policies to strengthen rural incomes and support sustainable growth in the livestock sector.
When asked, he told the FE that the economy was showing signs of recovery, helping boost demand for sacrificial animals to some extent.
He expressed optimism that the number of animal sacrifices would increase further next year on the back of greater political stability and improved socio-economic conditions.
Fisheries and Livestock Secretary Md Delwar Hossain, DLS Director General Md Shahzaman
Khan and other senior officials attended
the briefing.
When contacted, farm economist Golam Hafeez Kennedy said the large post-Eid surplus highlighted the need for more accurate market forecasting and stronger support measures for small-scale cattle farmers, many of whom rely on Eid sales for a significant share of their annual income.