What is Driving India's Livestock Sector's 12.77% CAGR?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- India's livestock sector has a 12.77% CAGR.
- Contributes 31% to agricultural GVA.
- World's largest milk producer at 239 million tonnes.
- Significant role in poverty alleviation post-COVID.
- Focus on sustainable livelihoods for rural households.
New Delhi, Sep 30 (NationPress) India’s livestock sector has achieved an extraordinary compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.77% in recent years, contributing 31% to the agricultural Gross Value Added (GVA) and 5.5% to the national economy, as stated by Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Rajiv Ranjan Singh.
Singh noted that India stands as the world’s largest milk producer, responsible for nearly 25% of global milk output with an annual production of 239 million tonnes. Furthermore, India ranks as the second-largest producer of eggs and a major exporter of buffalo meat.
During the 2nd Global Conference on Sustainable Livestock Transformation at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Rome, Singh emphasized India's farmer-centric initiatives, innovations, and transformations fueling inclusive growth in the livestock and dairy sectors.
Expressing gratitude to FAO and its Director-General Dr. QU Dongyu for the opportunity to share India’s experiences and best practices, he took pride in India’s role as the First Vice Chair of the Sub-Committee on Livestock established under FAO.
“Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has launched a series of transformative and inclusive initiatives aimed at ensuring food security, enhancing nutritional outcomes, improving livelihoods, and eradicating poverty,” stated the minister.
Singh highlighted that since the onset of COVID-19, India's welfare measures have successfully lifted 269 million people out of extreme poverty, decreasing the rate from 27.1% to 5.3%, according to the 2025 World Bank Report.
He emphasized the critical role of the livestock sector in providing sustainable livelihoods for nearly two-thirds of rural households and millions of small and marginal farmers, many of whom are women.
In his address, Singh credited India’s livestock advancements to people-centered policies, global collaboration, and the resilience of smallholder farmers.
He reiterated India’s 80-year partnership with FAO and its commitment to sharing scalable innovations with the Global South.