It is learnt that consumers in Goa will reportedly have to bear with shortages of beef as the standoff between traders and vigilantes, which has disrupted supplies to local markets, is showing no signs of ebbing. Though the meat traders source their stock from slaughter of animals at the Goa Meat Complex, the number of animals slaughtered at government-owned abattoir in Usgao is not sufficient to meet the daily demand of the state. Many meat traders in Goa rely on the meat of lawfully slaughtered animals in Karnataka which has proper certification from a veterinary doctor before the animal is slaughtered. The festive season as well as the wedding season is set to commence in Goa after the withdrawal of the monsoon. Goa’s hospitality and restaurant sector also require large quantities of beef to cater to the demand. It is learnt that the Goa Meat Complex has reportedly assured to meet consumers’ demand by boosting the supply of beef amid rising demand by increasing the number of animals slaughtered daily. Imports of beef from neighbouring states under strict hygienic conditions may be needed to tackle the shortfall.
