India is racing ahead in the export of buffalo meat, ironically, as more states in the country are enforcing a strict ban on slaughter of cows and bullocks. A latest report by the United States department of agriculture (USDA) states India has widened lead over Brazil as the top global beef exporter.

Revising its October prediction by 3 per cent, the report released this month forecasts that global beef exports will touch a record 10.2 MT in 2015.

With Russian market opening up to Indian buffalo meat export, the shipments are expected to increase in the current fiscal. Russia has approved four companies in India for supply of meat and the first consignment has already been shipped.

India's export entirely comprises water buffalo meat or carabeef unlike other countries, which include meat of cows, bullocks and calves. The recent ban on slaughter of bullocks and calves in Maharashtra, the meat exporters say, will not affect the buffalo meat exports.

"It could bring an end to illegal slaughter and raise the price for buffalo meat, thus proving to be beneficial for companies like us who are engaged in legal slaughter and export of buffalo meat," said Priya Sud, partner of Delhi-based Al Noor Exports.