A major beef crisis during the festive season may have been averted with beef arriving from Delhi, but the temporary arrangement by cold storage owners in the State does not solve the large issue. The Delhi-Goa Rajdhani Express and Mangala Express trains chug in with around two tonnes of beef daily, against an approximate requirement of ten tonnes of beef. The meat is not only part of the staple diet of the minority community, but a large section of the hospitality sector, including bakeries and smaller restaurants, dish out an array of beef products. Even the State's tourism, which is eyeing foreigners, could suffer a minor setback if beef is moved out of the menu.
The Delhi supply of beef gives a small relief, but going ahead, the ban on the slaughter in Karnataka is going to affect businesses in Goa, and will also trigger further unemployment. The beef trade has been a mini-industry in itself. There are thousands of people from the minority community, especially Muslims, who are employed at market stalls across Goa. There are helpers, cleaners and other utility staff eking out a living from this trade. Under the current scenario, these traders have no other option but to shut shop because of the ban on the movement of animals between Karnataka and Goa.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant's statement that registered meat agents can bring live animals to the state and slaughter them at the Goa Meat Complex is impractical against the backdrop that there are no cattle available. It is not feasible to bring animals from other far-off destinations at this point because of the complex logistics and costs involved.
If Sawant's back-up plan is to ask registered agents to source cattle, it is completely hollow and meaningless because the ground realities are against such a trade. Moreover, the abattoir at Goa Meat Complex is non-functional currently because no cattle are being brought in for slaughter. There is a genuine problem at hand currently because authorities in Karnataka have gone on the defensive ahead of the impending legislation and have been withholding necessary clearances for trade. Add to this are the hurdles posed to traders by cow vigilante groups.
If we may reiterate, the CM has to open up all channels with his Karnataka counterpart to resume the cattle and beef trade before the legislation comes into force. With the bill placed before the Karnataka Legislative Council, there is still an element of uncertainty over the Act, and this window could be used to temporarily tide over the situation.
With a BJP government in office in both States, Sawant should be in a better position to make his point and restore supplies. If efforts are genuine, there should not be a reluctance to explore available options. By asking the meat agents to resolve the crisis and get cattle, the CM is only trying to wriggle out of the situation. The pressure within is showing.
