About 3.5 lakh sacrificial animals are ready to be sacrificed in Natore ahead of Eid-ul-Adha. However, due to the ongoing lockdown, the farmers are worried about the sale of the cattle. They are worried that they may incur financial losses for the same reason.
However, to prevent financial losses to the farmers, the district administration has decided to take necessary steps for online cattle markets, proper market management in different places and sending animals out of the district.
According to the District Animal Resources Office, the total number of ready-made animals is 3 lakh 34 thousand 958. Of these, 1 lakh 19 thousand 84 are cows and buffaloes whereas, 2 lakh 15 thousand 174 are goats and sheep. These animals are being reared on farms and individual initiatives.
Meanwhile, even though the sacrificial animal has been prepared, the farmers are worried about selling it. The farmers said that despite contact, traders from Dhaka and other parts of the country could not come due to the ongoing lockdown.
However, in order to prevent financial loss to the farmers, it is being decided to set up animal markets by ensuring health rules in different places. Besides, the district administration said that necessary steps are being taken so that farmers and traders can take the surplus animals out of the district.
In addition to this, online based animal market has been started. More contacts are being made so that farmers can buy and sell sacrificial animals here. The district administration and senior officials of the district animal resources are expecting an increase in buying and selling at online animal markets this year as compared to last year.
Abdul Motaleb Raihan, owner of an agro and fisheries farm in Kazipara village, said there were 20 cows for sale this Eid. The value of which is about tk 30 lakh. He is extremely worried about selling cows as outside traders including Dhaka have not contacted him yet. He also said that he could not take advantage of the last sacrifice for the same reason.
District Animal Resources Officer Dr Md Golam Mostafa said that an online animal market has been set up by the district administration. There are 10 online animal markets based in the upazila. Farmers are also being asked to use their social media Facebook to sell animals. Farmers are communicating with traders from different parts of the country including Dhaka and Chittagong.
However, traders could not come because of Corona. It is hoped that the traders will come and take the cows after the lockdown. Besides, farmers and traders are being told that there will be no problem in taking the surplus animals out of the district, he added.
Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Natore Shamim Ahmed said more contacts are being made to expand the online cattle market. Apart from this, decisions are being taken to ensure proper market management in different places of the district in compliance with hygiene rules. On the other hand, I have talked to the higher authorities to take necessary steps to send the prepared animals to different places of the country including Dhaka. Surely special government instructions will come in this regard.
