Cattle rearers in the district are in apprehension of a drastic fall in the prices of sacrificial animals during Eid-ul-Azha this year for a sluggish demand of the animals due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Besides, price hike of cattle feed is a big concern for the farmers as it will cut their profit substantially.

Magura District Livestock Office sources said farmers are rearing a total of 15,136 cows for Eid ul Azha but estimated demand of cows this time is 9,200.

Fatteners' sources said last year about 34,000 animals were slaughtered in the district during Eid ul Azha.

But due to the coronavirus pandemic demand of cattle has dropped by 70 per cent this year.

On the other hand, prices of various feeds have witnessed a big jump in the local markets in the last one year.

Straw is now selling at Tk 3,000 per thousand bundles as against Tk 1,000 last year, husk at Tk35 per kg as against Tk 28 three months back and oil cake at Tk 35 per kg as against Tk 25 six months back .