Daijiworld Media Network – Panaji

Panaji, Aug 26: With Eid-e-Milad less than two weeks away and the State’s tourism season set to begin soon, Goa continues to reel under an acute shortage of beef, despite limited supplies trickling in from Telangana.

The crisis stems from a strike by traders in Maharashtra and Karnataka, who have suspended operations citing repeated harassment and attacks by self-styled vigilante groups during cattle transportation. The disruption has left Goa’s meat traders, hoteliers, bakeries and local consumers in a fix.

“Eid on September 4 and the start of the tourist season will be hampered. We have many local consumers for beef, plus hotels and bakeries need it daily. Foreign tourists demand it more, and this shortage is bound to hurt everyone,” said Anwar Bepari, General Secretary of the Quraishi Meat Traders Association.

While private traders from Telangana are supplying about five tonnes daily, Goa’s actual demand is nearly five times higher. “On average, Goa needs 20-25 tonnes a day, including supplies to hotels and cold storage. On festive days, the demand rises even further. Right now, we are only able to procure around five tonnes from Telangana and other States, that too at higher rates. Losses are mounting, but we have not passed the hike to consumers yet,” a trader said.

The traders have submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, urging the government to intervene and ensure supply restoration. They have also sought State-backed mechanisms, if necessary, to guarantee availability during the festival and upcoming tourist season.