India’s beef industry: trouble brewing | beyondbrics

India’s beef industry: trouble brewing | beyondbrics:

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The slaughter of cows is banned in many states in India and the export of cow meat is prohibited across the country.

But go to any major Indian city and you will find steaks and beef burgers on the menu in high-end restaurants, a new phenomenon that has has led to confusion and protest alike.

Though India is the world’s second largest exporter of beef, a category that includes both cow and buffalo meat, domestic consumption is still very limited. This year, for example, India will consume 2.1m tonnes of beef and veal, according to the US Foreign Agricultural Service, while it produces 3.8m tonnes. Compare that with Brazil, which will produce 9.6m tonnes and consume 7.9m tonnes.

The anecdotal evidence, however, suggests this is changing."

'via Blog this'