Beef production in India forecast to rise 2%
The country produces mostly carabeef
24 December 2024
1 minute read
By: The USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (USDA-FAS) post in India forecasts the country's beef production, which is mostly carabeef, to reach 4.64 MMT in 2025, according to a recent US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Global Agricultural Information Network (GAIN) report.
This is a 2% increase over 2024 based on expectations of increase in international demand.
In 2025, domestic consumption of carabeef is forecast to remain unchanged at 2.99 MMT due to ongoing food inflation concerns.
India’s carabeef exports in 2025 are forecast at 1.65 MMT, up by nearly 4% from the estimated 1.58 MMT in 2024. Shipments to the traditionally high-volume market of Egypt are expected to be down in 2024, due to higher prices. However, Indian carabeef exports are anticipated to exhibit steady growth in markets like Malaysia, Vietnam, Iraq, United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia. Additionally, other countries with relatively smaller demand for Indian carabeef exports, including Oman, Senegal, Russia, and Uzbekistan are playing a role in the growth trend.
India’s cattle herd size – comprising of bovine cattle and Asia domestic water buffalo– is forecast at 307 million head in 2025, largely unchanged in comparison to 2024.
The calf crop in 2025 is forecast to grow marginally to 71 million head. The government of India’s support for dairy development, animal healthcare, and breeding is producing growth in calf crop and reducing loss and residuals.
