The private sector has largely stayed away from partnering the Government in setting up new abattoirs and modernising the existing ones over issues such as funding, lack of technical expertise and poor awareness.
Rakesh Kacker, Secretary, Ministry of Food Processing, said though private players were allowed through the public-private partnership (PPP) route in modernising abattoirs, none had shown interest so far.
Three modernised abattoirs in Hyderabad, Kolkata and Shimla would be commissioned in the next few months. The Ministry has plans to set up 25 new abattoirs and modernise 25 existing ones in the 12th Plan at a cost of Rs 240 crore.
India has emerged as the largest meat exporter, driven by shipments of buffalo meat last year, and is expected to remain on top in the current year, too.