India’s livestock sector has emerged as a major pillar of the agricultural economy, with steady growth in milk, egg and meat production over the past decade. The sector’s contribution to agriculture and allied activities has risen sharply, reflecting higher productivity, better animal husbandry practices and expanding domestic demand.
Rising Economic Contribution
The livestock sector has grown at a compound annual growth rate of 12.77 per cent since 2014-15. Its share in the total agriculture and allied sector Gross Value Added (GVA) increased from 24.38 per cent in 2014-15 to 30.87 per cent in 2023-24 at current prices. The sector contributed 5.49 per cent of India’s total GVA in 2023-24. This shows its growing importance in rural incomes and the broader economy.
Milk Production Leads Global Rankings
India remains the world’s largest milk producer, accounting for 25 per cent of global milk output. Milk production rose from 146.31 million tonnes in 2014-15 to 247.87 million tonnes in 2024-25, registering a CAGR of 5.41 per cent over 11 years. Per capita availability of milk in India reached 485 grams per day in 2024-25, above the world average of 328 grams per day in 2024. Global milk production grew by 1.12 per cent in 2024 compared to 2023.
Growth in Eggs and Meat Output
India ranks second globally in egg production and fourth in meat production, based on FAOSTAT data for 2023. Egg production increased from 78.48 billion in 2014-15 to 149.11 billion in 2024-25, growing at a CAGR of 6.63 per cent. Per capita egg availability improved from 62 eggs per annum in 2014-15 to 106 eggs in 2024-25. Meat production rose from 6.69 million tonnes to 10.50 million tonnes during the same period, at a CAGR of 4.61 per cent.
Significance for Rural Economy and Nutrition
The expansion of livestock production supports farm diversification, employment generation and nutritional security. It also strengthens allied sectors such as feed, veterinary services, dairy processing and cold chain logistics. With rising output and per capita availability, livestock continues to play a central role in India’s food system and rural development.
Last Modified: April 25, 2026