Farmers Worried Over Possible Influx of Indian Cattle
Photo: Agamir Somoy
As Eid-ul-Adha approaches, small-scale farmers in Savar are becoming increasingly busy with final preparations. They are spending their days caring for livestock, cleaning cattle sheds, and adopting various strategies to attract buyers. However, farmers remain concerned about the possible entry of Indian cattle into local markets. Rising cattle feed prices have also added to their worries, while hundreds of marginal farmers fear losses if they fail to secure fair prices at cattle markets.
According to the Upazila Livestock Office, Savar has 1,239 farms, with nearly 15,186 cattle prepared for Eid sacrifice. Farmers said they raised the animals entirely through local and natural methods without using harmful hormones or steroids for fattening.
Rubel, owner of Savar Agro Farm, said the farm raises cows, goats, and buffaloes, and preparations for Eid-ul-Adha are almost complete. Buyers have already started visiting the farm to inspect cattle of different breeds and sizes. He added that demand for small and medium-sized cattle remains comparatively higher.
Abidur Hossain, a cattle farmer from Savar’s Kamla area, said prices of bran, oil cake, straw, and feed have nearly doubled this year. He said the daily feeding cost for each animal has risen sharply, and farmers could face major losses if they fail to receive expected prices during sales. According to him, profits or losses now largely depend on market conditions.
Afzal Hossain, who runs a small farm with 20 cattle at his home, said farmers would benefit if buyers respond positively and cattle from other regions do not flood Savar markets. He warned that the entry of Indian cattle and livestock from other areas could hurt local farmers financially.
Savar Upazila Livestock Officer Dr. Farhana Jahan said farmers in the area have raised cattle of various breeds. She added that authorities have regularly inspected farms, administered vaccines, and conducted training programs. If market conditions remain favorable, farmers are expected to make profits.
