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Beef's loss is mutton's gain

Price of goat meat escalates as ban on beef is effected

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The government decision to ban slaughter of bulls and oxen in the state has resulted in escalation mutton prices. Goat meat, which was sold at Rs400 per kg a week ago, is now priced at Rs420. Soon, it will be Rs450 per kg, say some shopkeepers.

Why is beef preferred?
According to beef shop owners, a lot of people eat beef because of its high protein content and affordable price. "As the ban has been effected, more than 1,000 beef shops have closed down. Now, beef eaters will have to buy either mutton or chicken. Naturally, prices of mutton and chicken will go up," said a beef shop owner from Vashi.

Salim, a mutton shop owner from Kharghar, said they increased the price by Rs20 per kg on Friday. "Our expenses has also gone up. We have to buy goats at higher prices now. Besides, there is the transportation cost. If demand increases, then prices will increase further. I used to open my shop on Saturdays, Sundays and on days of festivals. But now, I may keep it open throughout the week," said Salim.

What will beef sellers do?
Mohammad, a mutton and chicken shop owner in Kurla, is happy with the development. "We are happy but at the same time we feel for the beef shop owners. Beef is known as poor man's meat. It is unfortunate that rather than resolving people's problems, the government is increasing them," said Mohammad.

Will beef be smuggled in?
Ahmad, a resident of Nerul, said that those who want to eat beef will continue eating beef. "The only thing is that they will have to pay more. Isn't gutkha banned? In our country, rules remains only on paper. Now, smuggling of beef will increase. But the poor will suffer since they will not be able to afford either mutton or the smuggled beef," he said adding that this decision will also have an impact on vegetable prices. Ahmad feels that this government is anti-poor and anti-farmer. "It's working for a limited section of the society and their interest. We did not vote for them to change our eating habits," he said.
 

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