Why in the News
India’s buffalo meat exports rose 25.6% to $5.1 billion in 2025-26, with unit value rising to $3,591 per tonne. Exports grew another 66.6% in Q1 2026-27.
Meat Export Development Fund
- Purpose: Export promotion fund for meat, financed through an exporter levy.
- Levy: APEDA charges ₹250 per tonne on frozen and chilled buffalo meat exports since 29 October 2025.
- Uses: Market promotion, trade fairs, buyer-seller meets and addressing non-tariff barriers.
- Model: Based on the Basmati Rice Fund (2008).
Carabeef
- Meaning: Meat of the water buffalo, distinct from cattle beef.
- India does not permit beef exports; buffalo meat exports are allowed under specified categories.
Key Export Trends
- 2025-26: $5.1 billion, crossing $5 billion for the first time.
- Q1 2026-27: Nearly $1.5 billion.
- Unit value rose from $3,236/tonne (2024-25) to $3,591 (2025-26) and $4,392 (Q1 2026-27).
- India is the third-largest bovine meat exporter, after Brazil and Australia.
Regulatory Architecture
- Exports allowed only through APEDA-registered plants meeting safety and hygiene standards.
- 83 integrated abattoir-cum-processing plants, besides standalone slaughterhouses and processing units.
- Periodic and surprise inspections ensure compliance.
- Focus is shifting from bulk frozen blocks to processed and retail-ready products.