Team Herald
PORVORIM: Stating that the government cannot impose a ban on import of beef in the State, Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar assured the House that he would ensure that beef imported from Karnataka is inspected.
Parrikar told the Legislative Assembly on Tuesday that the State produces approximately 2,000 kgs of beef per day at its abattoir Goa Meat Complex Limited and rest of it (beef) is imported from Karnataka.
“The estimated sale of beef based on the meat inspection charges paid by beef dealers/traders is approximately 2,300-2,400 kgs a day,” he told the House.
Parrikar said, “The balance of the required quantity of beef is procured from the neighbouring State particularly from Karnataka by the meat traders.”
“We cannot close the option for any traders to import beef from Belgaum or other states to ensure that there is no shortage. But, in a bid to ensure hygiene, I will issue directions for necessary inspection through the doctors concerned,” the chief minister said.
The chief minister, who also holds the Animal Husbandry portfolio, was responding to a question tabled by BJP MLA Nilesh Cabral.
Asking a supplementary question, Cabral questioned the quality of the beef that is brought from Karnataka and also suggested that the State slaughter animals at its abattoir. “I feel, there should be complete ban on import of beef and that all the traders should be asked to use the beef slaughtered at Goa Meat Complex,” he stated.
Parrikar said that the abattoir has no problem to slaughter more animals, if they are brought by the traders.
