Introduction:
Animal products hold a pivotal role in the socio-economic fabric of India, contributing significantly to both the livelihood of millions and the nation's nutritional security. As a major producer, India boasts a diverse and abundant supply of high-quality animal products, including milk, meat, and eggs. These products not only serve as essential sources of protein and other vital nutrients but also support rural economies through employment and income generation.
Production:
As per FAO Statistic 2023, India has emerged as the largest producer of milk, the production of milk in India was 250.58 million ton with a 25 percent share in total milk production in the world in 2021. India’s production of egg was 138.3 billion with 7.25 percent of the global egg production in 2021 and in case of meat production, there was 9.77 million ton with 3 percent of the global meat production in 2021.
India has the largest population of milch animals in the world, with 109.85 million buffaloes, 148.88 million goats and 74.26 million sheeps in 2019. The growth rate recorded was highest for Sheep 14.13 per cent followed by Goat 10.14 per cent and Buffalo 1.06 per cent during 2012 to 2019(Source: 20thLivestock Census-2019, DAHD).
Buffalo Population (% share): Uttar Pradesh (30.0%),Rajasthan (12.5%), Gujarat (9.6%), Madhya Pradesh(9.4%), Bihar(7.0%).
Sheep population (% share): Telangana (25.7%), AndhraPradesh (23.7%), Karnataka (14.9%)Rajasthan (10.6%) Tamil Nadu (6.1%).
Goat population (% share): Rajasthan (14.0%), WestBengal (10.9%), Uttar Pradesh (9.7%), Bihar (8.6%),Madhya Pradesh(7.5%)(Source: 20th Livestock Census-2019, DAHD)
Overall meat producing states(%share): Uttar Pradesh(12.2%), West Bengal(11.9%), Maharashtra(11.5%), Andhra Pradesh(11.2%), Telangana(11.0%)( Source: Annual report 2022-23, DAHD)
Export:
Exports of animal products represent a significant contribution to the Indian Agriculture sector. The export of Animal Products includes Buffalo meat, Sheep/ Goat meat, Poultry products, Animal Casings, Milk and Milk products and Honey, etc. India's exports of Animal Products in 2023-24 was 4,543.52 USD Millions in, which is as follows: (Source-DGCIS)
| Items | Exports FY24 (USD Mil) |
| Buffalo Meat | 3740.53 |
| Sheep/ Goat Meat | 77.68 |
| Other Meat | 0.82 |
| Poultry Products | 184.58 |
| Dairy Products | 272.64 |
| Animal Casing | 48.12 |
| Processed Meat | 2.48 |
| Casein | 18.22 |
| Albumin (Eggs & Milk) | 20.93 |
| Natural Honey | 177.52 |
Major Export Destination:
The demand for Indian buffalo meat in the international market has sparked a sudden increase in meat exports. Buffalo meat dominated the exports with a contribution of over 82% in total Animal Products export from India in 2023-24. The main markets for Indian Buffalo Meat and other animal products are Vietnam, Malaysia, Egypt, UAE and Iraq. (Source-DGCIS)
