Trade directions of Indian buffalo meat exports and its profitability in Punjab

Abstract

India is the habitat of about 55% of the world’s buffalo populace. However, the current production and marketing structure of buffalo meat for the indigenous and international market is endowed with multitudinous challenges. At present, there is an elevation in demand for Indian buffalo meat in the global market, especially when processing units in Brazil and Argentina continued to be closed due to the outbreak of the Covid 19. Keeping this in mind, knowledge regarding the performance of Indian buffalo meat export and identification of its profitability is required. The study examined the cost-return pattern in Punjab state. Further, it examined the pattern of trade, fluctuating directions of the buffalo meat trade in India by Markov Chain Analysis, and projected exports of Indian Buffalo meat till 2023 to 2024. The Transitional Probability Matrix found that Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam were the most consistent and trustworthy markets for Indian Buffalo meat, with probability retention of 81.06, 79.58, and 74.75%, respectively. Saudi Arab would be considered an unstable importer. The projections of Buffalo meat export up to 2023 to 2024 showed an increase in Vietnam’s export share. There is a need to popularise and commercialise the buffalo male calf rearing business in rural areas, especially in Punjab. Further, linking these farms to meat processing plants is also crucial. Pertinent inspection of the quality of buffalo meat to meet international market standards is a pressing priority to grab additional share in the global market.