Indian beef production is predicted to increase by 5% in 2009.

This is reported to be due to strong export demand and rising domestic consumption (ZMP and Brazilian Meat Monitor).

According to reports, production of mainly buffalo meat is set to rise to approximately 2.7 million tonnes. Around a third of production (850,000 tonnes) is predicted to be exported, mainly to South East Asia and the Gulf states.

In such markets where Australian and Indian product co-exist, Australian beef faces considerable price competition from Indian buffalo beef.

There is major potential for India to significantly increase production because of the current low level of technology across the supply chain.

Currently, India is considered the world’s third biggest beef exporter in terms of volume, behind Brazil and Australia.