Indian Religious Belief and Its Impact on Meat Industry

Abstract

The livestock provides food items such as milk, meat and eggs for
human consumption that are rich source of protein, mineral and
vitamins and good for health. Livestock production is a vital activity
in rural areas which provides employment, livelihood and income
for farmers, rural poorer and weaker sections of society. India has
religious belief that most of the Hindu community does not eat beef.
They do not slaughter cattles (cow and its progeny). This is the
main reason that Buffalo is surplus for export unlike goat/sheep/
poultry meat. This leads to India as a number 2 exporter of beef in
the world. Livestock business provides employment to about 8.8 %
of the population in India. Livestock sector is contributing 4.11%
GDP and 25.6% of total Agriculture GDP of country. Governments
and industries must prepare for meeting demand of meat in the
country with long run policies and investments to satisfy ever rising
consumer demand, improve nutritional status, generation of income
opportunities and alleviate environment stress.