PANAJI: Meat traders in Goa on Sunday feared a shortage of beef in the State in the next few days if the Karnataka transport authorities continued to prohibit cattle trucks from reaching Goa.
Mr. Manna Bepari of the Qureshi Meat Traders Association, Goa, told The Hindu on Sunday trucks carrying cattle from Karnataka to Goa were sent back from the check-post on National Highway 4A by Karnataka transport officials, fearing public wrath in view of the recent Central government notification banning cattle trade for slaughter.
He said their cattle purchase, which is mostly from places like Belagavi in Karnataka, has been affected. He further said if cattle stock is not available with the Goa Meat Complex, the State abattoir in Usgao in South Goa, then beef availability in the State will be affected.
He said that Goa consumes around 30 million tonnes of beef daily. Mr. Bepari said the problem was confined in Karnataka, and there was no issue from Goa police or other State authorities.
Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar told The Hindu there was no cause for worry. Mr. Parrikar, who also holds the portfolio of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, said neither the Goa Meat Complex nor any other association had approached him with concerns over supply of beef. He said he had checked with Goa police at the border that no such complaints were lodged.
Mr. Bepari said the association has sought an appointment with the Chief Minister’s office.
Government sources said Mr. Parrikar is likely to review the beef situation on Monday.
