Basic Animal Husbandry Statistics 2023: A Snapshot of India's Livestock Industry

India's animal husbandry sector is a cornerstone of its agricultural economy, contributing significantly to the livelihoods of millions of rural families. The "Basic Animal Husbandry Statistics 2023" report provides a comprehensive overview of the sector's performance, highlighting key metrics in milk, egg, meat, and wool production. The data is primarily based on the outcomes of the Integrated Samples Survey conducted from March 1, 2022, to February 28, 2023. Here, we delve into the major highlights of this report and their implications for the Indian economy.

I. Milk Production

India continues to dominate global milk production, holding the top position worldwide. In the fiscal year 2022-23, the country produced an impressive 230.58 million tonnes of milk, marking an annual growth rate of 3.83% compared to the previous year. This consistent growth is a testament to the country's robust dairy industry, which is central to the rural economy.

• Per-capita Availability: The per-capita availability of milk has reached 459 grams per day, reflecting the sector's ability to meet the nutritional needs of the growing population.
• Yield per Animal: The average yield per animal per day varies significantly between exotic/crossbred cattle and indigenous/non-descript cattle. The yield stands at 8.55 kg/day/animal for exotic/crossbred cattle, while Indigenous/non-descript cattle produce 3.44 kg/day/animal.
• Production Growth by Breed: Milk production from exotic/crossbred cattle has seen a growth of 3.75%, while Indigenous/non-descript cattle and buffaloes have registered growth rates of 2.63% and 3.69%, respectively.
• Top Milk-Producing States: The leading contributors to India's milk production are Uttar Pradesh (15.72%), Rajasthan (14.44%), Madhya Pradesh (8.73%), Gujarat (7.49%), and Andhra Pradesh (6.70%). Together, these states contribute 53.08% of the country's total milk production.

II. Egg Production

India has secured its place as the third-largest egg producer globally, with a total production of 138.38 billion eggs in 2022-23, reflecting a growth of 6.77% over the previous year. 

• Per-capita Availability: The per-capita availability of eggs is 101 eggs per annum, underscoring the sector's role in improving dietary protein intake across the country.
• Production Distribution: Commercial poultry farms dominate the sector, producing 118.16 billion eggs (85.40% of total production), while backyard poultry accounts for 20.20 billion eggs (14.60% of total production).
• Top Egg-Producing States: Andhra Pradesh (20.13%), Tamil Nadu (15.58%), Telangana (12.77%), West Bengal (9.93%), and Karnataka (6.51%) are the top egg-producing states, contributing 64.93% of the country's total egg production.

III. Meat Production

India's meat production has also shown positive growth, with a total output of 9.77 million tonnes in 2022-23, representing an annual growth rate of 5.13%. This positions India as the eighth-largest meat producer globally.

• Poultry Meat Dominance: Poultry meat remains the largest contributor, with 4.995 million tonnes produced, accounting for 51.14% of total meat production. The poultry sector has grown by 4.52% over the previous year.
• Top Meat-Producing States: Uttar Pradesh (12.20%), West Bengal (11.93%), Maharashtra (11.50%), Andhra Pradesh (11.20%), and Telangana (11.06%) are the top meat producers, contributing 57.90% of the nation's total meat production.

IV. Wool Production

Wool production in India saw a modest increase of 2.12% in 2022-23, with a total output of 33.61 million kgs. This growth, though smaller than in other sectors, is crucial for the textile industry, particularly in regions dependent on sheep rearing.

• Top Wool-Producing States: Rajasthan leads the country in wool production, contributing 47.98% of the total output. Other significant producers include Jammu & Kashmir (22.55%), Gujarat (6.01%), Maharashtra (4.73%), and Himachal Pradesh (4.27%). Together, these states account for 85.54% of India's wool production.

Conclusion

The "Basic Animal Husbandry Statistics 2023" report highlights the steady progress of India's livestock sector. With substantial growth in milk, egg, meat, and wool production, the sector continues to support the country's economy and ensures food security for millions. The government's focus on improving livestock productivity through various initiatives and subsidies has played a pivotal role in these achievements.

As we look forward, the challenge remains to sustain this growth while addressing issues related to animal health, feed availability, and market access. Continued investment and innovation in the animal husbandry sector will be crucial in maintaining India's leadership position in global agriculture.

This blog is based on the latest data from the Basic Animal Husbandry Statistics 2023 report, supported by the Press Information Bureau (PIB) of India. For detailed insights and updates, please refer to the official PIB releases.