In a significant move to enhance India’s position in global meat exports, the Union government has announced the creation of a Meat Export Development Fund under the Ministry of Commerce’s Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA). This fund aims to promote research, improve market access, and support value addition in India’s growing buffalo meat industry.
Fee-Based Export Support Model Inspired by Basmati Fund
Taking a cue from the Basmati Export Development Fund introduced over a decade ago, exporters of frozen and chilled buffalo meat will now contribute Rs. 250 per tonne toward the new fund. This mandatory export fee will be effective from October 29, 2025, and applies to all shipments of chilled and frozen meat products.
According to officials, exports will be permitted only after the fee payment is confirmed, ensuring uniform contribution across the industry for shared growth.
Exporters See Strategic Value in Dedicated Fund
Mr. Fauzan Alavi, Vice-President of the All India Meat and Livestock Exporters Association, welcomed the initiative and noted its similarity to successful models like the National Meat Institute of Uruguay and the Brazilian Beef Exporters Association (ABiAC).
“This fund will help Indian meat exporters tackle non-tariff barriers and explore untapped global markets with our high-quality, affordable products,” said Mr. Alavi.
Buffalo Meat Exports: A Key Pillar in India’s Agri-Trade
India is the world’s second-largest exporter of buffalo meat, with exports valued at USD 4.06 billion in FY25, making it the second most valuable export commodity in the APEDA portfolio, after Basmati rice.
Between April and August 2025, exports of buffalo meat, dairy, and poultry products surged by over 20% year-on-year, reaching USD 2.17 billion. There are currently around 80 APEDA-registered buffalo meat exporting units, primarily located in Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra.
Global Market Promotion & R&D to be Key Focus Areas
Officials noted that the fund will be channelled into trade promotion, market access expansion, and research and development (R&D). Activities will include:
- Setting up dedicated Indian meat pavilions at global food fairs like Gulfood (UAE), ANUGA (Germany), and SIAL (France)
- Supporting product innovation and value addition
- Addressing sanitary and phytosanitary issues to meet global quality standards
India’s Meat Quality Gains Global Recognition
India exports only boneless buffalo meat, processed in approved integrated meat plants that comply with international standards. These plants are regularly inspected by importing nations and operate under the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) guidelines for risk mitigation.
India currently exports buffalo meat to over 70 countries, including Vietnam, Malaysia, Egypt, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. Government officials emphasized that India’s meat exports are witnessing rising demand due to nutritional value, safety standards, and competitive pricing.
