Growing dairy demand driving herd expansion in India - GAIN
Growing demand for carabeef also driving market
7 March 2023
1 minute read
By: According to a recent USDA GAIN report, the expansion of India’s dairy sector is driving the increase in the cattle herd numbers. Herd numbers have grown to 307.5 million head this year as compared to 306.7 million head in 2022.
FAS New Delhi estimates India’s carabeef and beef production will subsequently increase by two% to 4.4 million metric tons (MMT) beyond last year’s estimates.
Production expansion is attributed to growing demand for carabeef from India’s export markets. India’s carabeef and beef consumption estimates for 2022 and 2023 are revised higher to 2.9 MMT and 2.96 MMT respectively as water buffalo beef continues to remain the most affordable source of animal protein. Post is raising the carabeef export number to 1.48 MMT in 2023 as industry sources are reporting increased demand from Malaysia and Middle Eastern markets.
