Team Herald
MARGAO: Goa's domestic market in buffalo meat is reeling under acute shortage given the rise in exports particularly West Asia, Middle east, Europe and Africa over the past few years.
The sudden rise in the export of animals has led to a significant beef shortage in Goa, causing not only a hike in beef prices but also widespread disappointment among consumers and restaurant owners.
While the country has emerged as a top beef exporter to these countries, the rates in the domestic markets have skyrocketed due to the resultant supply shortage and failure of authorities to replenish the supply and regulate the meat industry.
The shortage, which has resurfaced in the state, has disrupted beef supply, forcing several meat stalls to shut down due to a lack of stock. At the Goa Meat Complex, no animals were brought in for slaughtering over the last two days, further compounding
the issue.
Shabbir Bepari, Vice-President of the All Goa Beef Traders Association said " going by the volume of exports there are fewer animals available for slaughter locally".
He assured that efforts are underway to resolve the issue, with additional animals now secured for slaughter. "We have managed to procure the required animals, and beef supplies will resume soon," Bepari said.
Customers visiting the SGPDA market for their usual beef purchases were left frustrated as several stalls were closed. While some stall owners were still selling meat from behind their premises, many had to turn customers away. One stall owner mentioned that no beef supplies had arrived on Tuesday, and they were in the process of selling off remaining stock.
Sources have also indicated a potential issue between beef traders and the contractor responsible for slaughtering animals at the Goa Meat Complex over a recent increase in the rates of live animals. The price of live animals has risen from Rs 195 to Rs 215, which may be contributing to the ongoing disruption in beef supply.
Dr Rajesh Kenny, Managing Director of the Goa Meat Complex, responded to inquiries regarding the beef shortage, asserting that there is no issue with the facility's operations. "We provide the necessary infrastructure for the slaughter of animals. The contractor arranges the animals for slaughter as per the traders' orders. There is no problem with our services," Dr Kenny clarified. He expressed hope that beef supplies would be back to normal very soon.
It is reportedly learnt that Indian buffalo meat is " cost competitive with other red meats" and is percieved as being more natural.
As of now, the situation remains tense, with both consumers and traders eagerly awaiting a resolution to the beef shortage.
India continues to play a crucial role in the animal products market globally, emerging as a leading producer of high quality items such as milk, meat and eggs. In 2023-24, India's animal product exports amounted to Rs 37,665. 51 crore with buffalo meat alone accounting for Rs 31,010 crore, representing over 82 per cent of total exports.