Livestock sector continues to strengthen India's agricultural economy
New Delhi, Jan 8
The livestock sector continues to strengthen India's agricultural economy, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 12.77 per cent since 2014-15, according to the government.
The contribution of livestock in total agriculture and allied sector Gross Value Added (GVA) has increased from 24.38 per cent in 2014-15 to 30.87 per cent in 2023-24 (at current prices).
Livestock sector contributed 5.49 per cent of total GVA in 2023-24 (at current prices), said Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying.
India is ranked first in milk production contributing 25 per cent of global milk production. Milk production is growing at Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.41 per cent over the past 11 years - from 146.31 million tonnes during 2014-15 to 247.87 million tonnes during 2024-25.
The official statement said that world milk production has grown by 1.12 per cent during 2024, in comparison to the year 2023. The per capita availability of milk is 485 grams per day in India during 2024-25 as against the world average of 328 grams per day in 2024.
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization Corporate Statistical Database (FAOSTAT) production data (2023), India ranks second in egg production and fourth in meat production in the world.
Egg production in the country has increased from 78.48 billion in 2014-15 to 149.11 billion in 2024-25. It is growing at the Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 6.63 per cent over the past 11 years.
"The per capita availability of egg is at 106 eggs per annum in 2024-25 as against 62 eggs in 2014-15. Meat production in the country has increased from 6.69 million tonnes in 2014-15 to 10.50 million tonnes in 2024-25. It is growing at the Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 4.61 per cent over the past 11 years.
— IANS
Reader Comments
While the numbers look impressive, I hope this growth is sustainable and equitable. Are the small farmers and livestock keepers, who are the backbone of this sector, actually seeing their incomes rise proportionately? Or is the benefit concentrated with larger players? Need more data on that.
The per capita availability of milk at 485g/day is remarkable, well above the world average. This is a silent revolution in nutrition security. The increase in egg consumption is also a positive sign for protein intake, especially for children.
My family has been in dairy farming for three generations. The last decade has definitely seen better support in terms of veterinary services and feed. The challenge now is the cost of fodder and water. If the government can help there, growth will be even stronger. Jai Kisan!
Great to see India leading in milk and doing so well in eggs and meat. This sector is a lifeline in rural areas, especially for women. Self-help groups involved in poultry and goat rearing have transformed many households in my district.
The numbers are good, but we must not ignore the environmental impact. Large-scale livestock farming needs to be managed responsibly to prevent land degradation and water pollution. Growth should be green and sustainable for the long term.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.