India to Set Up Meat Export Development Fund to Expand Market Access

The Indian government has decided to establish a meat export development fund in collaboration with the industry under the commerce ministry's agricultural and processed food products development authority (APEDA). The fund, which will be used for global market expansion and other trade promotion activities, will require exporters of frozen buffalo meat to pay a fee of Rs 250/tonne. This move aims to support research in dealing with non-tariff barriers faced by Indian meat exporters in the global market.

Key Takeaways:

The Indian government will set up a meat export development fund in collaboration with the industry under APEDA to expand market access and promote trade.
Exporters of frozen buffalo meat will have to pay a fee of Rs 250/tonne towards the creation of the fund, which will be used for global market expansion and other trade promotion activities.
The fund will support research in dealing with non-tariff barriers faced by Indian meat exporters in the global market.
India has emerged as the second biggest exporter of buffalo meat globally, with major export destinations including Vietnam, Malaysia, Egypt, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
India has market access to 70 odd countries, and there has been a significant rise in demand for Indian bovine meat globally due to its quality and nutrient value.
Only boneless buffalo meat is allowed for export from India, and APEDA coordinates exports through approved integrated meat plants.
The buffalo meat is exported in accordance with World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) guidelines for any risk mitigation.

Statistics:

India exported boneless buffalo meat valued at $ 4.06 billion in FY25.
The shipment of buffalo meat, dairy, and poultry products during April -- August, 2025-26, increased sharply by over 20% to $ 2.17 billion on year.
There are approximately 80 buffalo meat exporting units registered with APEDA, located mostly in Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra.
India has emerged as the second biggest exporter of buffalo meat globally.
The fund aims to promote research and development in product development and promotion of value addition in the sector.

Sources:

Fauzan Alavi, vice-president, All India Meat and Livestock Exporters Association
APEDA (Agricultural and Processed Food Products Development Authority)
Contify.com