2 days ago
A strike in neighbouring states against cow vigilantes, an acute buffalo meat shortage in Goa
Goa is facing an acute shortage of buffalo meat due to an ongoing strike by the meat traders in neighbouring states of Maharashtra and Karnataka.
The Qureshi community in Maharashtra, which is involved in the cattle trade, has been on a strike for over a month, leading to a suspension of cattle trade across many parts of the state. The community has been protesting against alleged harassment from self-styled vigilante groups, claiming they are often attacked while transporting cattle.
With Goa heavily reliant on the neighbouring states for its cattle procurement, the association of meat traders in Goa said it has disrupted the meat supply chain in the coastal state and urged Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant's intervention to resolve the issue.
In a memorandum to Sawant earlier this week, the meat traders called on the chief minister to 'engage in a dialogue' with the authorities in Maharashtra and Karnataka and explore alternative supply channels or establish state-supported mechanisms to mitigate the current shortfall.
'The situation poses severe economic challenges to traders and threatens food security for a substantial portion of the population. The shortfall of meat for human consumption is likely to affect the tourism industry as well,' Mannasab R Bepari, president of Quraishi Meat Traders Association, said.
The association of meat traders are demanding a 'cap' on exports of buffalo meat to address the shortage. 'There are also fringe elements who illegally affect the supply chain by creating hurdles at borders by polarising the issue of transportation of cattle for slaughter for human consumption. Such hurdles are not dealt with effectively and efficiently by the law enforcement agencies,' the memorandum said.
The traders have sought a law enforcement team at the border crossings and helpline numbers for efficient action 'to ensure that no fringe elements illegally create hurdles in the legal trade of cattle for slaughter for human consumption'.
Mannasab Bepari told The Indian Express: 'On average, the daily consumption of beef in Goa is around 25 tons, including supplies to cold storage units and hotels. We are only able to source ten tons a day. We are procuring buffalo meat supplies from Hyderabad and other states at a higher price to satisfy local demand. We are suffering losses, but we have not passed on the hike to the consumers so far. It has been close to two weeks and we do not know when the strike will end'.
Anwar Bepari, the association's general secretary said: 'Currently, there is no cap on the exports of buffalo meat and it continues unfettered. The government should consider a curb or stop the exports of buffalo meat to mitigate the shortage. The priority should meet the local consumption demand'.
A government official, requesting anonymity, said: 'Since many markets in Maharashtra and Karnataka are totally shut, the situation is dire. Only in certain parts like Ranebennuru [Karnataka], the markets are open. The private abbatoirs in Phaltan, Solapur and other parts of Maharashtra are all closed'.
The official went on to say: 'Some traders in Goa are procuring processed buffalo meat from Aurangabad to meet their requirements. Some demand was addressed through frozen stocks, but those too were exhausted last week. The traders are holding talks with local politicians in those states. The situation will improve only when the strike ends'.
Dr Rajesh Ghanashyam Kenny, Managing Director, Goa Meat Complex: 'We hope the strike ends soon and supply is restored as soon as possible'.
