J&K accounts for 23% of India’s wool output; country’s meat production rises to 10.50 MTs

Ziraat Times Team Report

New Delhi, 27 Nov: India recorded notable increases in meat, egg and wool production in 2024–25, according to the Basic Animal Husbandry Statistics (BAHS) 2025, released in New Delhi on National Milk Day. The annual survey-based publication, unveiled by Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel, Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying and Panchayati Raj, highlights key trends across the livestock sector and informs national policy planning.

The event, held at Sushma Swaraj Bhawan, was attended by George Kurian, Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying and Minority Affairs, Naresh Pal Gangwar, Secretary of the Department, and other senior officials.

Key Findings of BAHS 2025

The BAHS 2025 draws on the Integrated Sample Survey conducted between March 1, 2024 and February 29, 2025. It offers state-wise production estimates and per-capita availability of major livestock products—milk, eggs, meat and wool—along with data on veterinary infrastructure, artificial insemination, and global comparisons.

Milk Production

India retained its global rank of No. 1 in milk production.

• Total production: 247.87 million tonnes in 2024–25, up from 239.30 million tonnes in 2023–24 — a 3.58% increase.

• Per capita availability has risen from 319 gm/day in 2014–15 to 485 gm/day in 2024–25.

• Top milk-producing states: Uttar Pradesh (15.66%), Rajasthan (14.82%), Madhya Pradesh (9.12%), Gujarat (7.78%) and Maharashtra (6.71%) — together contributing over 54% of national output.

• Milk production from exotic/crossbred cattle grew by 4.97%, indigenous/nondescript cattle by 3.51%, and buffaloes by 2.45%.

Egg Production

India remains the world’s second-largest egg producer.

• Total production: 149.11 billion eggs in 2024–25, reflecting 4.44% growth.

• Per capita availability has increased from 62 eggs/year (2014–15) to 106 eggs/year (2024–25).

• Leading states: Andhra Pradesh (18.37%), Tamil Nadu (15.63%), Telangana (12.98%), West Bengal (10.72%), Karnataka (6.67%) — jointly producing 64.37% of national output.

• Contribution: Commercial poultry (84.49%) and backyard poultry (15.51%).

Meat Production

India ranked 4th globally in meat production.

• Total meat output: 10.50 million tonnes in 2024–25, registering 2.46% growth over the previous year.

• Poultry meat accounted for 5.18 million tonnes, nearly 50% of total production.

• Top meat-producing states: West Bengal (12.46%), Uttar Pradesh (12.20%), Maharashtra (11.57%), Andhra Pradesh (10.84%) and Telangana (10.49%) — together contributing 57.55%.

Wool Production

Wool production stood at 34.57 million kg, showing a 2.63% increase over last year.

• Leading contributors: Rajasthan (47.85%), Jammu & Kashmir (22.88%), Gujarat (6.22%), Maharashtra (4.75%), Himachal Pradesh (4.30%) — together producing 85.98% of India’s wool.

A Statistical Backbone for Livestock Policy

Officials noted that BAHS 2025 provides a robust statistical foundation for evaluating government schemes, designing new interventions, and ensuring international reporting standards. The survey includes details on veterinary hospitals, polyclinics, gaushalas, state farms, and artificial insemination coverage, offering a comprehensive picture of India’s livestock infrastructure.

The Ministry reiterated that accurate and transparent data remain essential for accelerating sustainable growth and productivity in India’s livestock sector.