The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) expects global beef exports to hit a record 9.2 million tons in 2013/14. Of that amount Indian beef is expected to account for 1.8 million tons or approximately 20%. Over the last three years exports of Indian beef have jumped 102% as international demand has surged. According to Rabobank, if the conservative Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) gains control in upcoming elections, the party could pull government support for the beef industry. In every state where the BJP ruled there have been strict rule against the slaughter of cattle enacted. Beef production in the U.S is expected to fall by 6% as the EU is predicted to import 270,000 tons and China is expected to import a record 475,000 tons in 2014. A strong demand for dairy products has resulted in the number of cattle in India to hit 330 million which is expected to increase beef production by 5% as the country implements schemes to modernize abattoirs and improve hygiene. There are currently 3,600 abattoirs in India, one integrated abattoir and processing plant for buffalo meat for both domestic and foreign markets, and 24 meat processing plants of which 13 are focused on production for export.
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