India sees big potential in bovine meat export to Indonesia

Bovine meat can be one of the prominent sectors which could help diversify exports from India, benefiting the government and people of Indonesia, Indian Ambassador to Indonesia Nengcha Lhouvum said here.

The Embassy of India in Jakarta in association with the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) and the All India Meat and Livestock Exporters Association (AIMLEA), organised a 'Roadshow on Indian Bovine Meat' here on Thursday.

"The Ministry of Agriculture had deputed a country audit team to India in September 2015 to inspect abattoirs and research institutions, which confirmed that India has excellent mechanism of meat processing and quarantine control," said Muladno, Director General of Livestock and Animal Health.

India has more than 50 slaughter houses which are above international standards. Based on this, Indonesian President Joko Widodo had signed a decree allowing 'zone-based' meat imports in March 2016.

Muladno added the Indonesian government is making efforts to open its market for Indian bovine meat by the Ramadan period.

"India has been trying for market access for Indian bovine meat in Indonesia since 1999. With the recent decree signed by President of Indonesia allowing 'zone-based' meat imports, India is expected to get a significant share of the Indonesian meat market as the bovine meat will be very competitively priced," the Indian Embassy in Jakarta said in a statement.

The roadshow included a presentation projecting the strength of India as a consistent and quality supplier of bovine meat to Indonesia.

"India has a track record of 46 years in the export of de-boned and de-glanded frozen buffalo meat to 64 countries worldwide. 100 percent of the meat exported from India is prepared strictly in compliance with Islamic requirements and is genuinely Halal," the statement added.

--IANS

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