Competition Commission of Pakistan slams meat industry
In the report, which covered issues such as price monitoring and quality of meat and also exploring the growth potential of the sector, it identified ineffective price and quality monitoring at district levels that result in high price and low quality of meat that affects both urban and rural consumers.
Smuggling of animals to Afghanistan was also identified as an issue affecting availability.
It said: “Meat production in Pakistan is mostly an unregulated informal activity. The meat industry is marred with many challenges including the low yield per animal, poor animal feed, lack of awareness among livestock breeders related to breeds and veterinary care, and disease control. Also, poor slaughtering methods and lack of accessibility to the Animal Mandis (markets) leads to low quality of meat products and excessive pricing.”
The CCP called for the establishment of new slaughterhouses and the improvement of facilities at the existing ones to ensure quality safeguards. It also urged that farmers have access to the Animal Mandis in order to help them provide quality meat to the consumers at reasonable prices.
CCP also recommended that price setting, which takes place every six to twelve months, needs to be regulated during the interim periods and meat prices should be based on both the quality of the meat and its grading.
On a more positive note, the CCP report identified the growing international demand for Halal meat and meat products. “Pakistan produces 100 percent halal meat and export of halal meat and meat products can be a significant source of foreign exchange earnings.”
The CCP also acknowledged efforts of the government especially the Ministry of National Food Security and Research, which has undertaken certain regulatory measures to encourage livestock sector and for the establishment of value added meat market in the country.
