Just like the state-run Nandini and HOPCOMS units, the Karnataka government will also have its own units to sell meat across the state.

These outlets will sell low-cost and hygienic lamb and mutton, the New Indian Express reported.

The government will also have provisions to sell the mutton and lamb online. Meat pieces will be cut according to the customer’s convenience, packed and delivered at their doorstep.

According to Krishna, Chairman of the Sheep and Wool Development Corporation Limited, there are at least 1.5 crore sheep and goats in Karnataka and about eight lakh farmers who rear sheep. 

The government is coming up with sheep meat outlets across the state in order to encourage these farmers, the report added.

The government has sanctioned funds to start sheep meat outlets at 40 places currently. It will also provide a subsidy of Rs 1.25 lakh for each outlet. These outlets will be managed by department employees or unemployed youth.

“We will supervise the outlets and check if hygiene is maintained,” Krishna added.

He also said that the government will issue guidelines for the cutting of meat, fixing CCTV cameras inside outlets and 24X7 air conditioning to maintain freshness of the meat. 

Initially, the meat will be supplied from the five outlets run by the corporation.

“We will get meat from these sheep and supply it to the outlets. We will have the biggest slaughterhouse in the state and it will be set up in Shira taluk of Tumakuru district. The slaughterhouse will be built on 20 acres of government land at an estimated cost of Rs 28 crore, which has been sanctioned. Every day, 15,000 sheep will be slaughtered. Work order for this has also been issued. More such outlets will be opened in the coming days,’’ he added.