Scheme for modernization of Abattoirs approved

The CCEA today approved the proposal of Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MOFPI) to launch a comprehensive scheme for Modernization of Abattoirs across the country. The scheme aims at providing facilities for scientific and less painful slaughtering, chilling, effluent treatment plant, by-product utilization, water and power with required sanitary / phyto sanitary conditions for modernization of abattoirs. Modernization of abattoirs will also augment essential supply base of hygienic raw material to the meat processing industry, both for domestic consumption and exports, besides discouraging unauthorized slaughtering.

The Central Government will extend financial, technical and managerial assistance to viable projects under a sustainable framework to be implemented by local authorities / Federations / Boards / Private Investors. It will also consider assistance for modernization of existing abattoirs of local Municipal Authorities under the scheme for capacity expansion. The scheme envisages technical and managerial guidance to the concerned local authority, through a professional Program Management Agency who would assist the Ministry for technical appraisals of the proposals as well as progress monitoring of the projects from concept to commissioning. The volume of assistance is 50% and 75% of the eligible cost of plant & machineries and Technical Civil Work in general areas and difficult areas respectively with ceiling of Rs.15.00 crore per abattoir.

The Scheme is aimed at providing modern infrastructure for mechanical slaughter of animals and hygienic processing of meat and meat products and thus ensuring better value realization for the producers. The Scheme would contribute to reviving of the agricultural sector by making the returns higher for live-stock producers and meat processing stakeholders. This would also lead to large employment opportunities particularly in the rural areas and meat-processing sector including by-products of animal origin like leather industry, Meat/Blood/Bone meal and Bio composting industries.

BACKGROUNDER:

The meat industry in India has a vast scope for growth and development because of large livestock population. Although India has acquired number one status in the world contributing 13% of world milk production, the meat production is very low. Meat production is estimated at 4.9 million tonnes, standing eighth in rank in the world. Buffalo in India contributes about 30% of total meat production. The share bovine meat in the total meat production is about 60% as against small ruminants (15%), pigs (10%) and poultry (12%).

India is the 5th largest exporter of bovine meat in the world. Indian buffalo meat exports have the potential to grow significantly. India exports more than 500,000 MT of meats of which major share is buffalo meat. Indian buffalo meat is witnessing strong demand in international markets due to its lean character and it’s near organic nature. Due to emerging health threats of the diseases communicable to humans through meat, the meat consumers are now more vigilant towards the wholesomeness of the meat and demand meat and poultry products processed in clean and sanitary environment.

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AKT/SH/LV