Naogaon, May 22 (UNB): With Eid-ul-Azha just six days away, cattle markets across Naogaon have turned busy with thousands of sacrificial animals arriving every day.
But behind the festive preparations, farmers are facing growing anxiety over rising production costs and fears of illegal cattle influx from India through the border.
This year, farmers in the district have prepared nearly twice the number of animals needed to meet local demand.
According to the District Livestock Department, around 38,909 small and large farmers across 11 upazilas have reared nearly 8 lakh cows, buffaloes, goats and sheep for Eid.
The district's demand for sacrificial animals is estimated at 3.87 lakh, while more than 4.10 lakh surplus cattle are expected to be supplied to other districts across the country.
Large cattle markets, including Radhakanta Haat in Naogaon Sadar, Chaubaria Haat and Sati Haat in Manda, Ahsanganj Haat in Atrai, Chakgori Haat and Mataji Haat in Mahadevpur, Najipur Haat in Patnitala and Kola Haat in Badalgachi are now witnessing heavy trading.
Traders said around 25,000 to 30,000 animals are being brought at these markets daily.
On farms across the district, owners and workers remain busy feeding, bathing and caring for the animals. Farmers said they have focused on natural fattening methods this year, avoiding harmful chemicals to attract buyers seeking healthy sacrificial cattle.
However, many farmers fear that soaring feed prices may cut into their profits.
Ekramul Hasan, a farmer from the Barshail area of Naogaon Sadar upazila, said he has prepared 106 cows, mostly of the Shahiwal breed, along with 31 goats for Eid.
"Each cow costs between Tk 1.5 lakh and Tk 4 lakh. We feed them flour, husk, oilcake, straw and grass three times a day. But feed prices are rising constantly, and we are worried about getting fair prices in the market," he said.
Another farmer, Ujjal Hossain, said the cost of grain feed has increased sharply in recent months.
"A 50-kg bag that used to cost Tk 1,800 now costs Tk 2,000. Another type of feed that was Tk 1,700 is now Tk 2,200. Feed that once cost Tk 800 is now selling for Tk 1,300 per bag," he said.
"If we fail to get fair prices in the market, small farmers like us will suffer losses," Ujjal added.
Saifur Rahman, another cattle farmer from the RG Naogaon area, said labour costs and overall farm expenses have also increased significantly this year.
"Every year, we prepare 20 to 30 cows for Eid. This year, the cost of raising cattle has become very high due to expensive feed and labour costs," he said.
Farmers in the border district are also worried about the possibility of Indian cattle entering Bangladesh illegally ahead of Eid, fearing it could affect local market prices.
"Naogaon is a border district, so there is always concern about Indian cattle entering through illegal routes. If that happens, local farmers will suffer financially," Saifur said, urging the administration to strengthen border monitoring.
Dr Gourango Kumar Talukder, Training Officer of the District Livestock Department, said the department has been providing farmers with technical advice and veterinary services to reduce production costs and encourage natural cattle fattening methods.
"If healthy cattle are produced naturally, buyers will show more interest and farmers will benefit," he said.
Gourango also said the department will coordinate with the administration and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) to prevent illegal cattle entry of cattle through the border.
Major Shafiq, acting commanding officer of Naogaon 16 BGB Battalion, said strict security measures have already been taken along the district's border.
"Thirty-six border outposts (BOPs) across the nearly 130-kilometre border area have been instructed to maintain round-the-clock patrols and strengthen surveillance," he said over the phone, expressing hope that there will be no illegal entry of cattle from India into Naogaon ahead of Eid.
