MARGAO: Goa’s domestic market in buffalo meat is reeling under acute shortage given the rise in exports particularly to West Asia, Middle East, Europe and Africa over the past few years. The sudden rise in the export of beef 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. In this Edition of Street Voices, Herald Media asked people “What is the reason for shortage of beef, while export is taking place?”
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From the time of Christmas the prices of beef have shot up. To meet the export quota, they are exporting buffalo meat in large quantities. Therefore local traders are facing difficulties. I feel that the rate will keep on rising over the next six months. There will be Ramzam after two months, thereafter there will be Bakri-Id and after that there will be Qurbani. So our Goan beef eaters will face difficulty in getting beef.
Shabbir Bepari, Vice-President of the All Goa Beef Traders Association
The main reason for shortage is the cultural differences which are being engineered, in the name of Hindutva or sentiments of religion etc. They are targeting minorities to create some communal tension. The beef exporters also maybe engineering these upheavals, in India. And probably by doing this the exporters are exporting more beef from India to other countries, due to which there is scarcity in India and especially Goa.
Anthony D’Silva, Social Activist
I feel that somehow those selling beef are being harassed time and again. This can be one reason. They take action against illegal slaughtering that is fine. But even those you bring beef legally are being harassed. So this creates and shortage and therefore beef prices are rising. I heard from beef traders that this harassment is being done to extract something from them.
Savio Coutinho Convenor, Shadow Council
