Due to the economic recession, Chittagong has experienced a decline in the number of sacrificers, impacting the collection of raw hides. Despite setting a target of collecting 400,000 raw hides for this year’s sacrifice, only around 320,000 hides have been collected so far. Out of these, 255,000 are cow-buffalo skins, while the remaining are goat and sheep skins. This collection is 20 percent lower than the set target.
The decrease in sacrificers has resulted in a lower supply of leather compared to the demand. However, the price of leather has slightly increased compared to previous times. Large cowhides are being bought and sold at Tk 450-600, and medium cow hides at Tk 350-400.
While efforts are being made to improve the situation, Mufti Jasim Uddin of Hathajari Madrasa stated that the collected leather has been preserved and no buyers have contacted them yet. The proceeds from the leather sale will be used to support underprivileged students of the madrasa.
According to the Chittagong District Livestock Office, the target for animal sacrifices in Chittagong this year was set at 874,000, including 526,325 cows and 71,333 buffaloes. The district livestock department estimates a 10 percent shortfall in achieving this target.
Source for more details:
