India records increase in milk, egg, meat and wool production in 2024–25

IN NEWS: India records increase in milk, egg, meat and wool production in 2024–25

Introduction

India has registered a significant increase in livestock production during 2024–25, with growth observed across milk, eggs, meat, and wool, according to the Basic Animal Husbandry Statistics (BAHS) 2025. The data highlights India’s strengthening position in the livestock economy, which plays a crucial role in nutrition security, rural income, and agricultural diversification.

ANALYSIS

Overall Growth in Livestock Sector

India’s livestock sector continues to demonstrate robust and diversified growth, with all major products showing upward trends.

This reflects:

• Rising demand for protein-rich food
• Expansion of livestock-based rural economy

Milk Production: India’s Global Leadership

India remains the largest milk producer in the world, with output reaching nearly 248 million tonnes.

Key Trends

• Increase from 239 million tonnes (2023–24)
• Per capita availability:
  • 319 gm/day (2014–15) → 485 gm/day (2024–25)

State-wise Contribution

• Uttar Pradesh → 15.6%
• Rajasthan → 14.8%
• Madhya Pradesh → 9.1%
• Gujarat → 7.7%
• Maharashtra → 6.7%

These states together contribute over 54% of total milk production.

Production Dynamics

• Exotic crossbred cattle: ↑ ~5%
• Indigenous cattle: ↑ ~3.5%
• Buffalo milk: ↑ ~2.4%

Egg Production: Rapid Expansion

Egg production has shown strong growth, reaching 149 billion units.

Key Insights

• Increase of ~4.5% annually
• Per capita availability:
  • 62 eggs/year (2014–15) → 106 eggs/year (2024–25)

Major Producing States

• Andhra Pradesh → 18.3%
• Tamil Nadu → 15.6%
• Telangana → 13%
• West Bengal → 10.7%
• Karnataka → 6.7%

Top 5 states contribute over 64% of total production.

Meat Production: Steady Growth

India is the 4th largest meat producer globally, with production reaching 10.5 million tonnes.

Key Features

• Poultry accounts for ~51% of total meat output
• Growth reflects:
  • Increasing urban demand
  • Expansion of organized poultry sector

Top Producing States

• West Bengal → 12.4%
• Uttar Pradesh → 12.2%
• Maharashtra → 11.5%
• Andhra Pradesh → 10.8%
• Telangana → 10.5%

These contribute over 57% of national production.

Wool Production: Regional Concentration

Wool production increased to 34.5 million kg.

State-wise Distribution

• Rajasthan → 47.8% (dominant)
• Jammu & Kashmir → 23%
• Gujarat → 6.2%
• Maharashtra → 4.7%
• Himachal Pradesh → 4.3%

Top 5 states contribute ~86% of output.

Institutional and Data Significance

Basic Animal Husbandry Statistics (BAHS) 2025

• Based on Integrated Sample Survey (ISS)
• Period: March 1, 2024 – February 28, 2025
• Covers:
  • Milk
  • Eggs
  • Meat
  • Wool

Importance

• Supports:
  • Policy formulation
  • Livestock sector planning
  • Nutritional assessment

Economic and Policy Implications

1. Nutritional Security

• Increased availability of:
  • Milk (protein + calcium)
  • Eggs (affordable protein)

2. Rural Economy Strengthening

• Livestock provides:
  • Supplementary income
  • Employment for small & marginal farmers

3. Diversification of Agriculture

• Reduces dependence on:
  • Crop-based income
• Promotes:
  • Allied sectors growth

4. Export Potential

• Meat and dairy products:
  • Enhance foreign exchange earnings

Challenges

• Regional concentration in production
• Need for:
  • Cold chain infrastructure
  • Veterinary services
• Environmental concerns:
  • Methane emissions from livestock

Conclusion

India’s growth in milk, egg, meat, and wool production reflects a structural transformation of agriculture towards livestock-led growth. While this enhances nutrition and rural income, ensuring sustainability, infrastructure, and balanced regional development will be critical for long-term sectoral stability.

Static Part (From Article Context Only)

• Report: Basic Animal Husbandry Statistics (BAHS) 2025
• Based on: Integrated Sample Survey (ISS)
• Coverage: Milk, Eggs, Meat, Wool
• India:
  • Largest milk producer
  • 2nd largest egg producer
  • 4th largest meat producer

Updated – 26 November 2025 ; 11:13 PM | Times of India