The country is importing a lot of cattle meat. As the import price from the domestic market is much lower, the import of meat is gradually increasing and the demand is also increasing. Demand for imported meat has increased in elite hotels, restaurants and social events due to lower prices, officials said. Domestic farmers and cattle traders are suffering financially as a result. They complained that the demand for farm cattle has decreased in the market. According to the meat importers, the import of cattle meat from abroad has started since 2016. At present about 45 traders are importing meat in the country. Imports are also increasing due to demand in the country. Concerned people said that initially 3/4 thousand tons of meat was imported. At present about 10/11 thousand tons of meat is being imported annually. Most of the meat comes from India. There are also limited imports from Australia, Japan and Korea. Meat importer Shamim Ahmed said about 10,000 tonnes are being imported every year. However, while going to quarantine the imported meat, they are suffering. Imported meat is sold in different hotels. There is a lab in Chittagong under the supervision of the Ministry of Livestock for quality testing of imported cattle meat. Importers and livestock officials said beef was not being imported from India. Only buffalo meat is being imported. In this regard, the district livestock officer Dr. Reazul Haque said, 9 thousand tons of meat is being imported annually. If you want to stop meat import, you have to stop giving RPO. Those who are importing, they are importing with duty. However, in the interest of domestic farmers, we are discouraging meat imports. Shawkat Ali, former president of the Sagarika Cattle Traders Association, said buyers were being deceived by buying imported meat. It is doubtful whether the imported meat is cow, buffalo or any other animal. They are selling these meats at different hotels at Tk.300/350 per kg. But if you can't sell domestic cows and buffaloes for Tk. 600, you have to count the losses. Dairy farmer Harun Chowdhury said the production on domestic farms has increased several times more than before due to the official ban on import of cows from India. In the last sacrifice the demand was met with native animals. Now the farmers are suffering due to the increase in the import of meat and the price of beef. Source: Online/SZK
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