Cattle farmers in Satkhira are well-prepared for Eid-ul-Adha, with a large number of sacrificial cows available. However, this surplus of cows surpasses the district's demand. While farmers have benefited from the absence of cows from India, they worry that the increased price of beef feed will hinder their expected profits.
The Satkhira District Livestock Directorate reports that 9,926 farmers have readied cows for sacrifice this year. A staggering 114,998 cows are available for sale, whereas the demand is only for 80,438 cows. This leaves an excess of 34,560 cows. Additionally, farmers anticipate lower profits this year due to the rising cost of beef. Urban cow rearers are entirely dependent on market-purchased feed, which adds an extra financial burden.
Majnu Mali, a farmer from Satkhira Sadar, explains that current prices for everything are high. The expenses incurred in raising a cow do not compare to the profit gained from selling it. The culprit behind this is the increased cost of cow feed. Buyers are seeking to purchase cows worth Tk 100,000 for Tk 60,000-65,000.
Abul Hossain, a buyer visiting Majnu Mali's farm for sacrificial cows, expresses concerns about sick cows in the market, hence his preference for farm-bought cows. However, the farm prices are exorbitant, with a Tk 20,000 increase per cow compared to last year. Farmers justify this price hike by citing the rising cost of cow feed, but there are few interested buyers.
Jahangir Hossain, a farmer from Satkhira Sadar, believes that the absence of Indian cows creates an opportunity for better prices during Qurbani Eid. He suggests that if the cost of cow feed becomes more affordable, more farmers in the country would engage in cow rearing.
Dr. ABM Abdur Rauf, the Animal Resources Officer of Satkhira, mentions that the Livestock Department is actively addressing the cattle feed problem. They provide training on cultivating "napier grass" in Satkhira, similar to other districts. This continuous training in cow feed production and grass cultivation will allow farmers to easily meet their cow feed requirements at home. As a result, farmers will benefit when the price of cow feed decreases.
TDM/NM
