As Eid-ul-Azha approaches, cattle farmers across Char Fasson upazila in Bhola are increasingly busy fattening their livestock using traditional, chemical-free methods. In preparation for the sacrificial festival, various breeds of cattle are being raised and readied for sale at local markets, with expectations of securing high returns.

To ensure the production of safe and healthy beef, farmers are avoiding harmful substances and relying on natural fattening methods, using feed such as green grass, wheat bran, rice husk, oil cake, and lentil husk. Their efforts are being supported by a local NGO through the RMTP (Rural Microenterprise Transformation Project), which is providing both financial aid and technical guidance.

According to the organization, 63 farmers across 21 unions are currently participating in the project, with 510 bulls being prepared for sale. Inspired by their success and the prospect of good prices at Eid markets, thousands of additional farmers across the upazila have also become actively involved in cattle rearing this season.

Local farms are raising various breeds including Sindhi, Pakistani, Australian, and indigenous cattle. On-site visits to several farms in Mujibnagar, Nilkomol, and South Char Aichatan on May 3 revealed that each farm employs 3–4 workers dedicated to the care and feeding of the animals.

However, data from the Upazila Livestock Department indicates that the scale is even larger. In all, 9,598 farmers in the upazila are involved in raising livestock for Eid, and an estimated 20,591 cattle are expected to be supplied—well exceeding local demand.

To facilitate sales and ensure animal welfare, the Char Fasson Upazila Administration has approved 60 permanent and temporary cattle markets across 21 unions and four police station areas. A total of seven veterinary medical teams have been deployed to monitor the markets and farms, ensuring adherence to ethical animal husbandry practices.

Maksud, a farm worker from Abdullahpur, shared: "Demand for sacrificial cattle is high this year, though feed prices have also risen. It costs about Tk 200 per day to feed one animal. The sale price for each bull ranges from Tk 80,000 to Tk 200,000. Our farm currently has 20 local and Australian breeds, with a market value of nearly Tk 8o lakh. After losses last year, we are unsure if we can recover this time."

Israt Jahan Nipa, another cattle farmer, added: "I had 40 cows a few weeks ago, most of which have already been sold. I currently have five remaining, and plan to sell three bulls for about Tk 50,000 each during Eid."

Buyers at the Char Fasson cattle markets, including Jewel and Md. Jamal, expressed concern over rising prices, stating that sellers are demanding two to three times more than last year. Sellers like Md. Nazrul defended the price increase, citing the rising cost of cattle feed as a major factor.

Dr. Raj Ali, Assistant Livestock Officer of Char Fasson, explained: "We are actively supporting farmers with government incentives and technical guidance. Under the RMTP project, 63 selected farmers are being trained and financially supported to fatten cattle using natural methods. The previous misuse of harmful steroids and hormone-based drugs has largely disappeared. Nonetheless, our seven veterinary teams continue to monitor farms to prevent any unethical practices."