A Baseline Survey on Cattle Imports through Different Peripheral Areas of Bangladesh

Abstract

This research program was undertaken to find out the existing cattle marketing scenario,  problem and prospects in 11 (eleven) different busiest land ports areas (Hilli, Benapole, Banglabandha, Bhurimari, Sonamasjid, Bibir Bazar, Birol, Meherpur, Bhomra, Bilonia and Baliadungia of Bangladesh. The land port were randomly selected where most of exported and imported goods were marketed. Data collection was made during October, 2013 to May 2014. Different stakeholders from each land port were considered as respondents (Direct importer, local market trader, ULO officials, customs and BGB officials, local people and authority) where 37 responded for each port, those who were involved directly or indirectly in livestock marketing. A total of 407 responded covering 11 ports were firstly interviewed through face to face interviewed following pre-designed structure questionnaire, cross checked and finally analyzed using simple descriptive statistical tools. The data so far obtained that around 30-40% imported cattle were legal and the rest illegal. When source of origin considered for imported cattle found 98% Indian and 2% Nepalese. Out of 98% Indian cattle, 88.90% were local type, 8.73% were Hariana and 2.1% were Shindi and type of species cases 88.64% found cattle 11.36% found buffaloes and rest of horse, camel, sheep. For disease perspective the rate of disease prevalence in surveyed area found 88.18% FMD; 5.0% Diarrhoea; 4.33% parasite infestation and 2.29% BQ. During illegal transportation,  traders were paid @ Tk 500, 200 and 6000 as revenue charge for each cattle/buffalo, sheep/goat and horse, respectively. So for saving our own cattle resource from trans-boundary disease like FMD, Anthrax, need to be measured immediate livestock movement control, effective ring vaccination, proper quarantine procedures at each entry points and establishment of a buffer zone. Finding of this research helps to generate a meaningful data base, making as guideline for policy maker, researchers addressing sustainable cattle marketing system with a view to benefit of  total cattle production.