India's 2016 carabeef exports to reach 2.1 MMT CWE on expectations of stronger demand from Southeast Asian countries March 18, 2016

Executive Summary:

The CY 2016 cattle and water buffalo population forecast levels are revised up to 302.6 million head due to less slaughter in CY 2015 because of low demand in the Southeast Asian market. CY 2016 water buffalo meat (carabeef) production is estimated at 4.45 million metric tons (MMT) carcass weight equivalent (CWE) on expectations of stronger export demand in Southeast Asian countries. CY 2016 carabeef exports are projected at 2.1 MMT CWE on expectations of stronger demand from Southeast Asian countries.

Production:

The CY 2016 cattle and water buffalo population forecast levels are revised up to 302.6 million head due to less slaughter in CY 2015 because of low demand in the Southeast Asian market. CY 2016 carabeef production is estimated at 4.45 MMT CWE on expectations of stronger export demand in Southeast Asian countries. CY 2015 carabeef production level estimates are lowered to 4.1 MMT CWE on less exports.

India's carabeef production is mainly concentrated in Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, Punjab, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Maharashtra. Throughout the past year, sensitivities remain with certain religious and political groups on whether Indian consumers should be allowed to eat beef. Although cow slaughter is almost completely prohibited in India, it is allowed in two states: West Bengal and Kerala. Consumption:

The CY 2016 domestic consumption forecast remains unchanged at 2.35 MMT CWE. Chicken meat is the most preferred non-vegetarian protein source followed by carabeef due to its affordability.

Trade:

CY 2016 carabeef exports are projected at 2.1 MMT CWE on expectations of stronger demand from Southeast Asian countries. Vietnam is the largest export market for India followed by Egypt, Malaysia, Thailand, and Saudi Arabia. CY 2015 carabeef exports are lowered to 1.9 MMT on slow export pace.

Policy:

Carabeef Production Programs and Policies

The Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying, and Fisheries (DAHDF) within the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmer's Welfare focuses on policies and programs to improve the productivity of the livestock sector. For information on these policies, including information on other programs that affect the carabeef industry, such as the National Dairy Plan. The Government of India's Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) approves the export-oriented slaughterhouses/meat processing units and provides guidance to industry for sanitary and hygiene standards for the products destined for export markets. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) regulate domestic slaughter and meat processing industry through the regulation entitled: Food Safety and Standards Rules and Regulation, 2011 (FSSR).

Trade Policy

The DAHDF regulates imports of livestock and related products through the Livestock Importation Act, 1898 and its further amendments. All livestock products including meat product exports to India require a sanitary import permit issued by DAHDF. India does not permit beef and beef product imports.

India: Commodity, Animal Numbers, Cattle, PSD

India: Commodity, Meat, Beef and Veal, PSD