Monday proved disappointing for meat lovers in Goa, with most outlets either shut or unable to serve customers. The situation was no better at restaurants, which also reported non-availability of meat. With the supply chain disrupted for the fourth consecutive day, vendors caution that the crisis could persist for several more days.
At the SGPDA market complex in Margao, the usually bustling meat section wore a deserted look. "I came to the market hoping to buy some meat, but there isn’t any. Most of the shops are shuttered, and those that are open don’t have any meat for sale,” said a disappointed Maria Fernandes from Margao.
The shortage is also taking a toll on small businesses that rely heavily on daily meat supplies. “The meat shortage has forced me to shut down my food cart that serves cutlet bread. This is the fourth day without supply. Vendors say the problem may persist for another 15 days, which could spell doom for my livelihood,” said a food cart owner operating on the outskirts of the city.
Vendors have yet to provide a clear timeline for when the supply will resume, fuelling growing concerns among meat sellers, consumers, and restaurateurs alike.
Mannasab Bepari, President of the All Goa Meat Vendors Association, blamed the situation on disruptions caused by right-wing volunteers in neighbouring states. “Although it is legal to transport buffaloes across state borders, they are disrupting this process,” he said. “Markets in both Maharashtra and Karnataka are shut and this is having a spiralling effect on the meat market in Goa.”
He further urged government intervention to resolve the issue. “We are requesting the Chief Minister to help us address this issue. We want a discussion in the House. There will be a meat shortage across the State. The main traders want exports to be banned so that we can get meat at reasonable rates. Cutting a buffalo is not illegal, but it’s still proving to be not practical.”
Adding to the concern, Asim Quereshi Bepari, Managing Director of Sungrace Agro Pvt Ltd — the company contracted to run the Goa Meat Complex in Usgaon — highlighted the gravity of the situation. “Every day, Goa consumes five to six tonnes of meat. The traders have no idea when the strike in Maharashtra and Karnataka will be resolved. It could end in 10 days, or it might take a month. As of now, the supply chain is closed,” he said.
With no immediate resolution in sight, both consumers and businesses are bracing for a prolonged period of meat scarcity across the State.