Chinese goods might be flooding global markets, but there is at least one foreign commodity that is invading restaurants and homes in China — Indian Buffalo meat.
Even as China is yet to open doors for direct export of buffalo meat from India, close to five fold rise in buffalo meat exports from India to China, routed through Vietnam, has given a substantial boost to Indian exports of buffalo meat.
Buffalo meat has emerged as India’s second highest agri-export commodity after Basmati rice.
Indian buffalo meat exports is at all time high, with nearly 58% increase in value terms at Rs 13,917 crore (between April-October 2013 over same period last year), according to data from Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA). In terms of quantity too, there has been 23% rise in buffalo meat exports from India.
However, it is the buffalo export to Vietnam that has seen an surprising growth in the recent period. Between April-October 2013, buffalo meat exports to Vietnam rose by 229% in value terms, and more than 100% in quantity terms over the same period last year. Vietnam accounts for close to 40% buffalo meat exports from India.
“There has been a huge demand for Indian buffalo meat in China, which is routed through Vietnam now. In the next few years we expect India to be the world’s largest exporter of buffalo meat,” said Rizwan Shaikh of Al Shirin Exports.
Notably, China does not allow free import of Indian buffalo meat. Last year, the two countries signed an MoU for direct export of buffalo meat, but the pact is yet to be implemented. Once ratified, the deal is likely to give a great fillip to buffalo meat exports from India, according to exporters.
The impact of soaring exports is also visible in domestic markets, with local prices soaring by nearly 10-15% in the last one year.
“With the new regulations on export of buffalo meat only from approved slaughter houses, it was believed that the domestic prices would ease. On the contrary, the prices have gone up, mainly on account of hoarding and illegal export of the commodity,” said Monammed Aher, CMD, Azan Group.
Notably, Bangladesh is one of the safe havens for cattle smuggling from India. While, there is no official data on the quantum of buffalo export to Bangladesh, it is believed more than half of the country’s buffalo meat demand is met by illegal exports from India.
With a view to promote safe standards in exports, in 2011, DGFT (Directorate General of Foreign Trade) issued a notification, that by June 2012, export of meat and meat products must be sourced exclusively from APEDA registered abattoir or integrated abattoir.
Initially, taken with a pinch of resistance, the norms have led to development of new slaughter houses and better managed and hygienic facilities, added Shaikh.
At present, most exporters source meat products through a tie-up arrangement with approved abattoirs.
Buffalo Meat Exports from India
Buffalo Meat Exports from India to Vietnam
Source: APEDA/ DGCIS
Buffalo Meat Exports from India
| Value (Rs Crore) | Quantity (MT) | |
| 2013-14 (April-Oct) | 13917 | 719256 |
| 2012-13 (April-Oct) | 8802 | 584392 |
| 2011-12 (April-Oct) | 7046 | 540406 |
Buffalo Meat Exports from India to Vietnam
| Value (Rs Crore) | Quantity (MT) | |
| 2013-14 (April-Oct) | 5220 | 247819 |
| 2012-13 (April-Oct) | 1586 | 123138 |
| 2011-12 (April-Oct) | 1888 | 137913 |
Source: APEDA/ DGCIS
