PANAJI
After being shut for almost four years, the Goa Meat Complex abattoir has now been upgraded with the required facilities but operations have been affected due to shortage of cattle from Karnataka.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant convened a meeting with officials of the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services (AHVS) and a delegation of the Muslim community, to take the stock of the situation and to restart the abattoir.
Manna Quereshi, president of Quereshi Meat Traders Association, said the shortage was largely due to Karnataka government’s law banning cow slaughter.
“We can only transport buffaloes which are over 12 years of age. This has created difficulty in bringing animals to Goa for slaughter,” said Quereshi.
While the Muslim community has demanded permission to slaughter cattle during Eid ul Zuha (Bakri Eid) on July 21, Sawant appealed to meat traders to bring in animals for slaughter as per law.
The meat traders complained about the problems they have been facing while bringing animals from Karnataka.
When contacted, Director of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services Dr Agostinho Misquita said the GMC abattoir is all ready for operations and said meat traders have to bring in animals as per law to slaughter the animals.
"There is no problem to resume slaughter, but animals are not being brought to the abattoir. Our License, NOC and permits are al in order. From our side, facilities are available at the abattoir,” said Dr Misquita.
Asked about pending salaries of the GMC staff, Dr Misquita said the issue had been resolved.
“As there was no revenue generated through the abattoir since the last four years, there were some issues regarding salaries of staff. The issues have been cleared now and the staff will get their salary,” said Dr Misquita.
