“In 2006, in the only comprehensive study [The Hindu-CNN-IBN State of the Nation survey], reported that only 31% of Indians are vegetarians. The findings also showed that vegetarianism is a function of inherited cultural practice rather than individual belief.
“Religion and community do matter – as many as 55% of Brahmins (upper caste Hindus) are vegetarians, but then 45% are not! The majority of all Hindus are non-vegetarian and interestingly, 8% of Christians are also vegetarians.”
The south-western state of Kerala for example, with a population of 33 million, has no restrictions upon cow slaughter – beef is sold in shops and cattle traded in regular markets. Several other states also extend greater freedoms to the slaughter and consumption of cattle.
However, the subject of red meat consumption in India is a fraught one.
The increase in buffalo slaughter has resulted in cow meat also entering the processing chain in some states.
“Cow napping” is not uncommon, with animals picked up off the street for slaughter – “cow protection committees” stop cattle trucks on main roads. The subject raises strong sectarian divisions and unrest. The trucking of cattle along the Delhi-Jaipur highway last year resulted in 74 trucks and buses being burned.
The increase in overseas travel by India’s growing middle class, and the diaspora of families around the planet means issues about red meat consumption will only intensify in coming years. States like Goa, catering heavily to Western tourist tastes, have already had major problems sourcing red meat to supply hotels and restaurants under that state’s restrictive rules concerning cow and buffalo slaughter.
“The journey of Indian carabeef will continue its onward march – it is worth keeping an eye on,” Mukherjee said.
