New scheme to modernize meat outlets in Rajasthan

JAIPUR: In a bid to improve the overall hygiene in meat shops, the state government has initiated a scheme to modernize meat shops. The project is part of a national mission on food processing where meat shop owners will be provided with financial assistance for better storage and cleaning facilities. 

The scheme aims at enhancing sanitation in the shops by providing basic infrastructure and equipment. It is also in tune with the attempts to ensure compliances of food safety rules and regulations as per FSS Act, 2006 and to address to public heath concerns as a whole. 

"Modernization of meat shops will also help protect and sustain the livelihoods of people involved. Transformation of meat shops will improve the competitiveness in supply of wholesome meat and development of new retail chains," said an official of the industry department, a nodal agency for the implementation. 

Under the scheme, the government will provide grant-in-aid or subsidy to eligible meat shops at 50% of the cost of machinery, technical and civil works to a maximum amount of Rs 5 lakh. All organizations under government, cooperatives, private sector, individuals, and self-help groups engaged in the operations of meat shops would be eligible for financial assistance under the scheme. 

Meanwhile, the scheme may prove to be beneficial for the state to tap opportunities in agriculture and allied economy. Rajasthan has the highest goat and sheep population in the country and is among the leading states in buffalo population. The increase in population of animals opens the door for a parallel industry - animal meat and milk. 

However, due to lack of proper slaughter houses, storage facilities and hygienic meat shops, it has been sent to other states. Experts believe the state has a lot of potential for generating revenue from agriculture and allied products and proper attention should be given to this sector. 

"Today people are shifting from food security to food safety. The significant rise in per capita income has led to change in the food basket of households. People in rural India consume equal amounts of cereals and animal proteins. In this scenario, Rajasthan has a huge advantage as we are the leading producer of animal protein like milk and meat," said A K Gahlot, V-C of the Rajasthan University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences.