India leads in milk production globally, ranks second in egg output: BAHS 2024

On National Milk Day, Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh, released the Basic Animal Husbandry Statistics (BAHS) 2024 with Ministers of State, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying Prof. S P Singh Baghel and George Kurian. This report underscores India's leadership in milk production globally and its second position in egg production, offering valuable insights into the nation’s livestock sector. The event commemorated the 103rd birth anniversary of Dr. Verghese Kurien, the “Father of White Revolution in India.” 

Basic Animal Husbandry Statistics (BAHS)- 2024, is a vital document that offers valuable insights into livestock and dairy sector trends. The BAHS - 2024 is based on the outcomes of the Integrated Sample Survey conducted for the period from 1st March 2023 to 29th February 2024. 

Key Highlights from the BAHS 2024 Report:

Milk Production

• India produced 239.30 million tonnes of milk in 2023-24, marking a 3.78% increase from the previous year and a significant 5.62% growth over the last decade.
• Top States: Uttar Pradesh (16.21%), Rajasthan (14.51%), Madhya Pradesh (8.91%), Gujarat (7.65%), and Maharashtra (6.71%).
• Highest Growth: West Bengal (9.76%), followed by Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Assam.

Egg Production

• Egg output reached 142.77 billion eggs, reflecting a 3.18% annual growth and a 6.8% rise over the last decade.
• Top States: Andhra Pradesh (17.85%), Tamil Nadu (15.64%), Telangana (12.88%), West Bengal (11.37%), and Karnataka (6.63%).
• Highest Growth: Ladakh (75.88%), Manipur (33.84%), and Uttar Pradesh (29.88%).

Meat Production

• Meat production was 10.25 million tonnes, growing by 4.95% from 2022-23 and 4.85% over the past decade.
• Top States: West Bengal (12.62%), Uttar Pradesh (12.29%), Maharashtra (11.28%), Telangana (10.85%), and Andhra Pradesh (10.41%).
• Highest Growth: Assam (17.93%), Uttarakhand (15.63%), and Chhattisgarh (11.70%).

Wool Production

• Wool output stood at 33.69 million kg, with a marginal annual increase of 0.22%.
• Top States: Rajasthan (47.53%), Jammu & Kashmir (23.06%), Gujarat (6.18%), Maharashtra (4.75%), and Himachal Pradesh (4.22%).
• Highest Growth: Punjab (22.04%), Tamil Nadu (17.19%), and Gujarat (3.20%).

Significance of the Report

The BAHS 2024, based on the Integrated Sample Survey conducted from March 2023 to February 2024, provides critical data for policy formulation in the livestock sector. It includes production estimates, per-capita availability, and infrastructure insights, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of India’s livestock ecosystem.

In his address, Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh emphasized the pivotal role of the dairy sector in the Indian economy. He noted that dairy is the single largest agricultural commodity, contributing 5 percent to the national economy and directly employing more than 8 crore farmers, the majority of whom are women. He highlighted that India’s per capita milk availability stands at 459 grams per day in 2022-23, significantly higher than the world average of 323 grams per day in 2022.

Prof. S.P.Singh Baghel, Minister of State, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, in his speech, recognized the contributions of women and youth in driving the success of India’s dairy sector. He encouraged them to take up leadership roles in the industry and leverage innovative practices for long-term sustainability. He mentioned that while the global growth rate in milk production is 2% annually, India’s production is growing at an impressive 6% annual rate.