Cattle farming sees boom

With the people's purchasing power decreasing day by day, we're worried about getting the right price. Nurul Amin,

— Farmer in Anwara upazila of Chattogram

Chattogram's livestock production has nearly doubled over the last 5 years -- thanks to the rising popularity of cattle farming.

According to livestock services department data, in the 2021-2022 fiscal, livestock (cow, buffalo, goat and sheep) production rose to 7.91 lakh from 3.56 lakh in 2016-17.

With Eid-ul-Azha around the corner, 7.91 lakh animals are kept ready in Chattogram. This time the total target has been set at 8.21 lakh.

For the last five to six years, dependence on sacrificing local animals has increased, moving away from Indian cattle import. Farmers are getting a good price for cattle and many are getting involved in the business.

According to the district livestock office data, this year, the total animal production stands at 5,35,803 cows, 66,237 buffaloes, 1,81,362 goats, and sheep. Besides, the number of livestock farms in Chattogram has increased.

Since 2019, the number of livestock farms has also doubled.

Delwar Hossain, livestock officer in Chattogram, said, "The government has decided to stop importing cattle from India and Myanmar. As a result, marginal farmers and ranchers have benefited."

During a recent visit to Garduara union in Hathazari upazila of Chattogram, this correspondent found that a considerable number of farmers have turned to cattle rearing on their own initiative.

However, farmers are worried about getting a good price for animals if the number of buyers is low due to the current financial crisis. Besides, the price of animal feed has climbed rapidly in recent months, making farming costlier for farmers, they said.

Farmers worry that if the demand is less than the supply, the price will go down.

Nurul Amin, a farmer in Anwara upazila of Chattogram, said the cow feed price has doubled in just one year. "With the people's purchasing power decreasing day by day, we're worried about getting the right price."

Nazim Haider, president of Chattogram Farmers' Association, said, "Targeting Eid-ul-Azha, smugglers are bringing in cattle from India and Myanmar. This too is affecting local cattle prices."

"We will write to the government to take action against cattle smugglers and reduce cattle feed prices soon," he added.