Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Aug 5: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Monday assured the Goa Legislative Assembly that the state government is actively working to address the acute shortage of buffalo meat (beef), following growing concerns from communities for whom beef is a dietary staple and a source of livelihood.

The matter was raised during Zero Hour by Aam Aadmi Party MLA Venzy Viegas, who flagged the distress faced by citizens and the economic impact on those in the beef trade. “This is a serious concern. The acute shortage is reportedly due to multiple factors, including disruptions in the supply chain, restrictions on cattle transport, and inconsistent regulatory enforcement,” Viegas told the House.

He urged the government to investigate the underlying causes and engage with all stakeholders — from traders and transporters to regulators — in order to ensure a long-term, sustainable solution.

Responding to the concerns, CM Sawant attributed the current disruption to an ongoing strike in Karnataka, a major supplier of beef to Goa. “We have taken cognisance of the beef shortage in the state. The supply is affected due to the strike in Karnataka; however, we are trying to resume the supply at the earliest,” Sawant said.

The government is expected to hold consultations with supply chain operators and neighbouring state authorities in the coming days to resolve the issue and stabilise availability.