Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Oct 20: Despite the government stating that the Goa Meat Complex is fully operational, the statistics of the last six months submitted by the department of animal husbandry and veterinary services to the legislative assembly indicate low numbers.

Between April and June no slaughter of cattle or buffaloes was carried out at the complex. In July, 39 buffaloes and two cattle were slaughtered at the complex. In August the number went up to 250 buffaloes (nil cattle) and in September, it stood at 153 buffaloes.

"The Goa Meat Complex Ltd is presently fully operational. It provides facilities of slaughtering of animals in the most scientific way and under hygienic conditions by carrying out antemortem and postmortem examination at the modern abattoir," chief minister Pramod Sawant stated in his reply to questions by Curtorim MLA Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco.

Currently, beef supply to the state comes from traders from Karnataka. On an average, 2,120 kg of beef is received daily from the neighbouring state via road, based on the meat inspection charges collected by authorities.