The milk production in the country saw an increase during 2023-24 over the estimates of 2022-23, according to the ‘Basic Animal Husbandry Statistics – 2024’ prepared by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying.

Basic Animal Husbandry Statistics (BAHS) – 2024

• The BAHS 2024 report is based on the outcomes of the Integrated Sample Survey (2023-24).
• It provides essential insights into the production estimates of major livestock products (MLPs), including milk, eggs, meat, and wool.
• This data plays a pivotal role in shaping policies for the livestock sector.

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Key Highlights of the report

• Data Coverage: The publication includes state-wise estimations of production and per-capita availability of MLPs.
  • It serves as a critical tool for policy formulation in the livestock sector.
• Milk Production: The total milk production in India for 2023-24 is estimated at 239.30 million tonnes.
  • India is the world’s largest producer of milk.
  • The top five milk-producing states are Uttar Pradesh (16.21%), Rajasthan (14.51%),Madhya Pradesh (8.91%), Gujarat (7.65%) and Maharashtra (6.71%).
  • Annual growth rate (AGR): West Bengal recorded the highest AGR in Milk Production at 9.76%.
• Egg Production: Egg production increased by 3.17% to 142.77 billion eggs, with a per-capita availability of 103 eggs annually.
• • India ranks second globally in egg production.
  • The top five Egg producing states are Andhra Pradesh (17.85%), Tamil Nadu (15.64%), Telangana (12.88%) and West Bengal (11.37%).
  • AGR for egg production: Ladakh achieved the highest growth rate at 75.88%, followed by Manipur at 33.84%.
• Meat Production: Meat production grew by 4.95%, reaching 10.25 million tonnes in 2023-24.
  • The top five Meat producing states are West Bengal (12.62%), Uttar Pradesh (12.29%) ,Maharashtra(11.28%)  and Telangana(10.85%).
• Wool Production: Wool production was recorded at 33.69 million kg.
  • The leading contributors to wool production are Rajasthan (47.53%) , Jammu & Kashmir(23.06%), Gujarat (6.18%), Maharashtra (4.75%) and Himachal Pradesh (4.22%)
• Government Initiatives:
  • Free vaccines for livestock against foot-and-mouth disease and brucellosis with  aim for eradication by 2030 to boost exports.
  • Focus on improving average milk yield per animal and better livestock health management

Export Push and Challenges

• Boosting Dairy Exports: Need of further increasing dairy product exports to capitalize on India’s production strength.
• Slowing Growth Concerns: The 10-year average growth of 6% exceeds the global average, despite recent fluctuations influenced by factors like monsoons.
• Potential for Improvement: Animal Husbandry Secretary reiterated that while India leads globally, there is significant untapped potential in the dairy sector.

Schemes under the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying

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National Milk Day

• Origin: Celebrated annually on November 26th to commemorate the birth anniversary of Dr. Verghese Kurien, the Father of the White Revolution in India.
• Objective: To recognize the significance of the dairy industry in India’s economy and its contribution to rural livelihoods.
• Key Observation at 2024 event: 
• • Emphasis on innovation and technology to enhance milk production and processing.
  • Importance of infrastructure development for efficient milk collection and transportation.
  • Need for a robust regulatory framework to ensure quality and safety standards.
  • Focus on empowering dairy farmers through training and capacity building.