Over 12.4 Million Animals Ready for Sacrifice This Eid-ul-Azha

This year, a total of 12,447,337 animals are ready for sacrifice during Eid-ul-Azha, according to Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter.

Speaking at a press conference at the Secretariat on Sunday (May 4), she detailed the breakdown: 5,602,905 cattle and buffaloes, 6,838,920 goats and sheep, and 5,512 animals of other species.

She noted that the country is expected to have a surplus of around 2,068,135 animals this year, eliminating the need for imports.

To maintain market stability, the government is taking strict measures against illegal livestock smuggling and extortion. "We are working across ministries to ensure fair pricing and a smooth sacrificial animal trade," said Akhter. "Illegal entry of livestock is now completely banned."

In preparation, 83,656 farmers have received training in scientific livestock rearing and fattening methods. Additionally, the ministry has organised 6,600 courtyard meetings and distributed over 274,000 awareness materials, including leaflets and posters.

The adviser also shared that 53,263 farms have been inspected to raise awareness about the harmful effects of steroids and hormones used in animal fattening.