October 3, 2012

 

 

Forecasts show that India will jump to the number one position in beef exports this year, with expectations to top 1.5 million tonnes and may overtake Australia as the world's biggest beef exporter.

 

Australian beef production is expected to grow from 1.41 million tonnes to 1.425 this year. But the increase will not be enough to hold out the burgeoning export levels from India.

 

The figures have emerged as part of Meat and Livestock Australia's statistical review, released late last week.

 

India's surge will see its production rise more than 300,000 tonnes compared with last year, hoisting the country's beef industry into the biggest export player.

 

It's been a meteoric rise for the Indian beef industry, which produced 900,000 tonnes two years ago to be the fourth-biggest exporter.

 

Australian Processors Council chairman David Larkin said the Australian meat industry should not be overly concerned.

 

"I don't see this as an issue," Larkin said. "We are so much further down the clean, green and disease-free status track that I can't see the worry. One would be stupid to ignore it though," Larkin added.

 

Larkin said Australia's reputation as a high-quality beef producer would stand it in good stead. "Our investment and the professionalism of farms is our strength," he said.

 

"This is one time when we are clearly able to measure the benefits (of Australia's reputation)."

 

The USDA estimates the Indian beef herd will grow to 325 million this year, more than 10 times bigger than Australia's almost 30 million.

 

In a USDA report, Foreign Agricultural Service, just released, author Ritambhara Singh said buffalo meat production had risen significantly.

 

"This is mainly due to the relative low cost of Indian buffalo meat compared to other international suppliers," he said.

 

"The Indian buffalo meat industry has become one of the largest bovine meat producers in the world, with growth almost uniquely focused on the export market."