BSS, Rajshahi : Cattle markets in the city and its adjacent areas have started getting vibrant with numerous buyers and hundreds of sacrificial animals ahead of the Eid-ul-Azha, the second largest religious festival for the Muslims. Large numbers of sacrificial animals are being brought for sale at different cattle markets like City Haat, Naohata Haat, Baneswar Haat, Keshor Haat, Kanthakhali Haat, Rajabari Haat, Kakonhat, Mohisalbari Haat and Machmoil Haat. This time, there is an abundant supply of locally reared cattle heads in the City Haat, the largest cattle market in the northern region, said Atikur Rahman Kalu, leaseholder of the haat. He said beef fattening activities have been intensified everywhere in the region as the villagers attain lucrative profit from the business. This house to house beef fattening has started contributing a lot towards improving living and livelihood condition of the grassroots population through enriching animal resources. The feature has brightened the prospects of exporting beef to different areas within the country after meeting the local demands. Moreover, the boosted native cattle production has started lessening the dependence on cattle imported from the neighboring country. In most of the cattle markets, the buyers were seen opting to purchase native animals. Rahman said the cattle traders at the haat were charging a middle-sized bull at Tk 65,000 to Tk 75,000 weighing about three maunds at present. He said a small bull was available at Tk 35,000 to Tk 46,000 while a medium-size one is available at Tk 55,000 to Tk 75,000 while a large bull is being sold at Tk 95,000 to Tk 1,15,000. Divisional Deputy Director of Department of Livestock Services Kalyan Kumar Fouzder told BSS that local animal husbandry sector has marked a revolutionary boost in recent years bringing fortune to hundreds of people in the region. He said many of the rural families have been rearing and fattening bulls commercially and earning huge profits every year. Some of the poor and marginalized people including women have achieved tremendous successes in the sector. Currently, the cattle markets are witnessing a record supply of domestic animals following huge boost in the local animal husbandry sector in recent years. Kolyan Fouzder termed the practice as a positive sign for sound public health saying the department of livestock has been extending necessary support towards the farmers in this regard. "We are discouraging the businessmen and farmers using harmful medicines including hormone and steroid to fatten cattle to make immediate profit by selling fat animals for sacrifice," he added. Abdul Mannan, a bull fattening farm owner of Devipur village, said the farmers have adopted new and improved practices and technologies in bull rearing and fattening contributing to enhanced production and productivity.
Waste of sacrificial animals to be removed within 24 hr in Rangpur BSS from Rangpuradds: Rangpur City Corporation (RpCC) will take all out preparation for slaughtering sacrificial animals at 117 fixed spots in the city and quick disposal of animal wastes within 24 hours during the Eid-ul- Azha festivity. Mayor of Rangpur Mostafizar Rahman Mostafa disclosed the information today while addressing a press conference on 'Slaughtering of sacrificial animals at fixed places and quicker disposal of wastes during the Eid-ul-Azha' held at the Nagar Bhaban here. Chief Executive Officer of RpCC Akhter Hossain Azad, its Secretary Rashedul Haque, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Kamruzzaman Ibne Taz, City Councilor and Chairman of Waste Management Committee Mahbubar Rahman Manju attended the press conference. Mostafa said steps have been taken for fixing 117 spots in all 33 wards of the city for slaughtering sacrificial animals and quick removal of wastes this year. He sought cooperation of journalists for creating public awareness on importance of hygienic management of animal wastes to maintain cleanliness and minimize health hazards with associated risks. "To remove animal wastes within 24 hours, we will engage 627 cleaners, 25 trolleys and 120 rickshaw vans and anyone can contact at control room numbers 01718543157, 01727898190, 01723807344, 01733390150 and 01714566383 to get assistance," Mostafa added. Mostafa put special importance on ensuring faster disposal of sacrificial animal wastes in a hygienic way to keep the city clean besides preventing environmental contamination.