NT Reporter
Panaji
Beef prices in the local market have seen a steady increase over the past few months, with boneless beef now selling at around Rs 500 per kg, while beef with bone is priced at about Rs 350 per kg, a meat vendor said.
Vendors said the rise has been gradual rather than sudden and is mainly due to a shortage of beef in the market. They said the import of beef has been stopped and procurement from the Goa Meat Complex at Usgao is limited, affecting overall supply and pushing prices upwards in recent months.
A vendor said changes in rates at the Goa Meat Complex directly influence prices in the local market. “When the Goa Meat Complex increases its rates, we also have to increase our prices. If their rates come down, we may also reduce our prices,” the vendor said.
Asim Qureshi, Managing Director of Sunface Agro Foods Private Limited, said beef prices are linked to the international market. He said this situation is seen every year during this period due to a rise in demand linked to the Gulfood exhibition in Dubai, UAE, during which beef is exported in large quantities. He said demand and supply in the local market is sufficient and that supply is provided as per the orders placed by vendors.
Qureshi said the festival ended in January, raising hopes that prices may ease slightly in the coming weeks.
He added that beef prices are not fixed by individual traders but are based on universal market rates. “Yes, prices have increased, but this is mainly due to the demand and supply ratio,” Qureshi said.
“There are fewer animals available in the market, while demand for meat is higher. Because of this, rates are slightly higher at present, but they are expected to come down soon.”
