The Crossbill Team
Data presented in Parliament has highlighted a steady rise in India’s meat exports over the past five years, even as debates around meat consumption and trade continue to remain politically and socially contentious.
Responding to a set of questions raised by John Brittas of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), the Ministry of Commerce and Industry shared figures showing that India’s meat exports increased from $3.22 billion in 2020–21 to $4.16 billion in 2024–25. Brittas had sought detailed information on export volumes, categories, and revenue, including state-wise data.
In his written reply, Minister of State for Commerce Jitin Prasada stated that the government compiles only aggregate figures, The Wire reported.
“The data for State wise exports of Meat is not maintained in absence of validation, as these are based on the basis of the state-of-origin code reported by the exporters in the shipping bills,” he said.
He also clarified the legal position on bovine meat exports, noting that “the export of beef (meat of cow, oxen, calf) is prohibited and is not permitted to be exported,” in accordance with the Directorate General of Foreign Trade’s policy.
The data shared by the government shows that in 2020–21, India exported 10.98 lakh metric tonnes of meat valued at about $3.22 billion. This rose to $3.38 billion with 11.90 lakh tonnes in 2021–22. In 2022–23, export volumes remained largely stable at around 11.91 lakh tonnes, though the value dipped slightly to $3.27 billion.
Exports saw a significant increase in 2023–24, reaching $3.83 billion and 13.13 lakh tonnes—the highest volume recorded during the five-year period. In 2024–25, export earnings climbed further to $4.16 billion, even as the quantity declined marginally to approximately 12.74 lakh tonnes.
Buffalo meat continued to dominate India’s export basket, accounting for nearly 97–98% of total earnings throughout the period. While exports of sheep, goat, and poultry meat registered gradual growth, their contribution remained relatively small. Processed and other categories of meat showed fluctuations and declined to negligible levels by 2024–25.
The figures have drawn attention in the context of wider debates around the meat trade in India, including reports of restrictions on meat sales during festivals and incidents involving traders. They also come shortly after reports about corporate political donations linked to the sector.
Overall, the parliamentary response underscores the continued expansion of India’s meat export market, driven largely by buffalo meat, even as policy, social tensions, and regulatory frameworks around the sector remain under scrutiny.
Responding to a set of questions raised by John Brittas of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), the Ministry of Commerce and Industry shared figures showing that India’s meat exports increased from $3.22 billion in 2020–21 to $4.16 billion in 2024–25. Brittas had sought detailed information on export volumes, categories, and revenue, including state-wise data.
In his written reply, Minister of State for Commerce Jitin Prasada stated that the government compiles only aggregate figures, The Wire reported.
“The data for State wise exports of Meat is not maintained in absence of validation, as these are based on the basis of the state-of-origin code reported by the exporters in the shipping bills,” he said.
He also clarified the legal position on bovine meat exports, noting that “the export of beef (meat of cow, oxen, calf) is prohibited and is not permitted to be exported,” in accordance with the Directorate General of Foreign Trade’s policy.
The data shared by the government shows that in 2020–21, India exported 10.98 lakh metric tonnes of meat valued at about $3.22 billion. This rose to $3.38 billion with 11.90 lakh tonnes in 2021–22. In 2022–23, export volumes remained largely stable at around 11.91 lakh tonnes, though the value dipped slightly to $3.27 billion.
Exports saw a significant increase in 2023–24, reaching $3.83 billion and 13.13 lakh tonnes—the highest volume recorded during the five-year period. In 2024–25, export earnings climbed further to $4.16 billion, even as the quantity declined marginally to approximately 12.74 lakh tonnes.
Buffalo meat continued to dominate India’s export basket, accounting for nearly 97–98% of total earnings throughout the period. While exports of sheep, goat, and poultry meat registered gradual growth, their contribution remained relatively small. Processed and other categories of meat showed fluctuations and declined to negligible levels by 2024–25.
The figures have drawn attention in the context of wider debates around the meat trade in India, including reports of restrictions on meat sales during festivals and incidents involving traders. They also come shortly after reports about corporate political donations linked to the sector.
Overall, the parliamentary response underscores the continued expansion of India’s meat export market, driven largely by buffalo meat, even as policy, social tensions, and regulatory frameworks around the sector remain under scrutiny.
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