Jashore farmers pleased at dearth of Indian cattle for Eid-ul-Azha

The minimal importof cattle, legally or otherwise, from India ahead of this year’s Eid-ul-Azha has proved a boon for local cattle farmers.

According to Navaron corridor official in Sharsha upazila, just 99 cows and five goats were imported from India legally till July 30, garnering total revenue of Tk 50,400 and it is not expected to rise much.

“On average 20-22 cattle were being imported per week, through two khatals in Goga and Putkhali,” said Anjuman Ara Begum, Customs Revenue Officer-in-Charge of Navaron customs corridor.

Cattle farmers of Putkhali and Sharsha area are apprehensive about competing with Indian cattle.

Siraj Ali, one of the cattle farmers in Putkhali village of Benapole, said this year he raised 10 cows of high quality breed for selling during the Eid-ul-Azha.

“Local farmers will face economic loss if Indian cattle start being imported in full flow,” he said.

Dr Bhabtosh Kanti Sarkar, Jashore District Livestock Officer, said 70,600 cattle were raised in 5,800 farms in eight upazilas of the district.

He also mentioned that farmers can sell their cattle in other districts after meeting the needs of the district – an estimated 63,000 cattle-heads.

Dr Sarkar further said there are active veterinary teams in all 24 cattle markets across Jashore to ensure trade of healthy animals only for Eid-ul-Azha.

“This year less animals went under the cattle fattening process,” he added.

Khulna 21 BGB Battalion chief Lieutenant Colonel Imran UllahSarkar said the patrolling has become stricter to prevent illegal cattle import from India.

Source: unb