United News of Bangladesh

Fisheries and Livestock Minister Mohammed Aminur Rashid on Thursday said there is no shortage of sacrificial animals in the country. “So, the sacrifice (Qurbani) will be performed with animals reared by local farmers,” he said while exchanging views with officials at the Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute (BLRI) auditorium in Savar. The minister said more than one crore sacrificial animals have been prepared to meet the country’s demand.  He said the supply of cattle, goats and sheep is higher than the required number for Eid, meaning there will be no need to import animals from abroad this year. He also said strict instructions have been issued to law enforcement agencies to prevent the illegal entry of livestock through border. People in border areas have also been warned to ensure that no animals are smuggled into the country. Emphasising sustainable livestock development, the minister said efforts are underway to ensure low-cost cattle rearing and to increase the production of improved grass varieties. “I came to BLRI today to review the progress of ongoing research activities,” he said. Regarding rawhide prices, the minister said new rates have been fixed through discussions with traders, adding that a meeting was held on Wednesday under the chairmanship of the Commerce Minister with stakeholders present. He said the present government is agriculture-friendly and highlighted recent initiatives including farmer cards, family cards, and Tk 10,000 agricultural loan waivers, calling them farmer-oriented decisions.