December 15, 2006

MPI looks to expand

State-owned Meat Products India (MPI) has plans to double annual meat production from 300 - 600 tonnes.

C. Krishnan, MPI chairman, said that annual production in its pig farms would also be increased as part of sustaining meat production, adding that the annual production of piglets would be doubled to 4,800.

Pig reproduction centres in selected districts in Kudumbasree in the Kerala state will soon begin, with a target to supply 20,000 piglets a year.

Krishnan said the MPI would provide technical assistance to local bodies willing to set up scientific slaughterhouses, adding that a Central grant would be available. Meat products from these slaughterhouses would be marketed under the MPI label if quality requirements were met.

To cater to demand in foreign markets for organic meat products, exports of certified organic meat products would start from next year.