Milk Production Up 3.78%, Egg Output Grows 6.8%, Says New Animal Husbandry Report

Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, Rajiv Ranjan Singh, released the Basic Animal Husbandry Statistics (BAHS) 2024 on November 26, 2024, highlighting India’s leading position as the world’s largest producer of milk and the second-largest producer of eggs. The announcement was made on the occasion of National Milk Day, celebrated in honor of Dr. Verghese Kurien, fondly remembered as the 'Father of the White Revolution.' 

The BAHS 2024 is a document offering comprehensive data on the livestock and dairy sectors. Based on the Integrated Sample Survey conducted between March 2023 and February 2024, it presents insights into production estimates for major livestock products (MLPs) such as milk, eggs, meat, and wool. The survey spans three seasons: Summer, Rainy, and Winter, ensuring accuracy in data collection.

The report includes state-wise production statistics, per-capita availability of livestock products, and details on infrastructure like veterinary hospitals and artificial insemination facilities. A section on the global standing of India's livestock sector highlights the nation's leadership in milk production and its rank as the second-largest producer of eggs.

Key Findings from BAHS 2024

1. Milk Production

India continues its dominance as the global leader in milk production, with a record output of 239.30 million tonnes in 2023-24. This reflects a 3.78% increase from the previous year and a remarkable 63.47% growth over the last decade.

The top milk-producing states include Uttar Pradesh (16.21%), Rajasthan (14.51%), and Madhya Pradesh (8.91%). West Bengal reported the highest annual growth rate (9.76%), followed by Jharkhand (9.04%) and Chhattisgarh (8.62%).

2.Egg Production

Egg production reached 142.77 billion units, showing a 6.8% growth over the last decade. Andhra Pradesh led the production with a 17.85% share, followed by Tamil Nadu and Telangana. Ladakh and Manipur recorded impressive annual growth rates of 75.88% and 33.84%, respectively.

3.Meat Production

India’s meat production rose to 10.25 million tonnes, a 4.95% increase from the previous year. West Bengal emerged as the top contributor with a 12.62% share, followed by Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra. Assam recorded the highest annual growth rate in meat production at 17.93%.

4.Wool Production

Despite a slight decline over recent years, wool production showed a modest growth of 0.22%, totaling 33.69 million kg. Rajasthan accounted for nearly half of the total wool output, followed by Jammu & Kashmir. Punjab showed a notable annual growth rate of 22.04%.

The release of BAHS 2024 is a significant step for India's livestock sector, providing critical data for policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders.