April 2, 2013

India's beef consumption and export rose 44% over last four years

India, which became the world's top exporter of beef in 2012, has witnessed a rise of 44% in meat consumption and export in the last four years, according to data from the Union animal husbandry department.

According to data compiled by the animal husbandry departments of all states, meat from registered slaughterhouses increased from 5.57 lakh tonnes in 2008 to 8.05 lakh tonnes in 2011. Export earnings from bovine (beef and cattle) meat are expected to reach US$331.44 in 2012-2013.

The increase is attributed to the local food processing ministry's promotion of meat production and export, using modernised abattoirs and storage facilities. The slaughter of buffaloes has risen from 49.46 lakh in 2008 to 69.6 lakh in 2011.

Currently, there are 38 integrated abattoirs in the country.

Uttar Pradesh is the top buffalo meat-producing state with three lakh tonnes in 2011. At least 70% of buffalo meat is exported.