Dr. Prabhat Kumar Mandal
President, IMSA

The Indian Meat Science Association (IMSA) was started, initially in Pondicherry in the year 2001 to bring together meat animal/ poultry producers, meat scientists, processors, exporters and all others involved in research, training and extension related to meat science and technology in India. Later in the year 2013 the IMSA Secretariat was shifted to National Research Centre on Meat, Hyderabad. At present IMSA has grown well with more than 700 life members. I am very happy that the association is regularly publishing “Journal of Meat Science” and has made significant contribution in addressing different issues. IMSA has already organized eleven National/International seminars and conferences and many other programmes and provided a very good platform for all stakeholders of meat sector. These conferences proved very beneficial, particularly for young faculty and students and helped them to plan and conduct their academic, research and extension programmes in a better way. IMSA is maintaining a very dynamic website for updating all the activities and other scientific updates and Journal activity.

The meat sector is a vital part of the Indian agricultural sector. Meat sector is undergoing a paradigm shift to a more organized, structured, and consumer-friendly industry. During 2020-21, the country produced 8.80 million tonnes of meat with an annual growth rate of 2.31%. The meat consumption at present is around 5kg per capita only. Although we do not have ready data in India, global demand for foods from animal origin is expected to double by 2050. This increased demand is partly due to an increased population, and the increase in their income and affordability for quality food. There is a need to strengthen the meat supply chain, for meat production, hygienic slaughtering, handling and storage of meat, ensuring meat and meat product quality and safety during marketing and distribution.

Over the years, the IMSA assumed greater responsibility in addressing issues pertaining to the livestock and meat sector and consistently working towards the development of the organised meat sector in India. To uphold the spirit of stakeholders, IMSA proactively addresses emerging issues and challenges of the sector and also provides real-time valuable insights. IMSA Members also proactively developed a lot of educational materials and posted them in the public domain for awareness creation and development of the meat sector. IMSA has instituted many awards with generous support from philanthropic members to encourage and reward the budding researchers, dedicated scientists, and entrepreneurs.