India's buffalo meat exports have dropped by around 9% between April and August, compared to the same period last year.
According to the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Exports Development Authority (APEDA), the first five months export of buffalo meat has been recorded at Rs94.66bn ($1.44bn), compared to last year's Rs103.82bn ($1.59bn).
Trade sources were quoted by the Financial Express as saying that buffalo meat exports are expected to fall during the 2015-16 period, below last fiscal's record shipment of Rs292.82bn ($4.48bn).
Vietnam and Malaysia are the top export destinations for India's buffalo meat, according to the news publication.
There are 1,696 slaughter houses in the country, all of which are administered by state governments. Around 49 are involved in exports, as recognised and licenced by the APEDA.
Indian Union Minister of State for Agriculture Sanjeev Balyan was quoted by the Hindu as saying: "APEDA officials said there is no illegal export of cow meat as production and exports are strictly monitored through a software, 'Meat Net.'
"However, it has been decided to set up labs at ports to check illegal export of cow meat."
Buffalo meat export accounts for 24% of the total agri-export.
Cow slaughter is banned in the country, except in Kerala, West Bengal, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Nagaland.
