Bihar is producing more milk, eggs and meat than ever before, but availability to its own residents remains low
In 2024-25, residents had access to 285 grams of milk per day; per capita egg availability was 29 eggs per year; and for meat, availability stood at 3.27 kilograms per person per year
Recently on Wednesday, while addressing at a press conference, Additional Chief Secretary of the Animal Husbandry and Fisheries department, Dr N Vijaya Lakshmi, disclosed the department's statistics for 2025. (Express Photo)
Bihar has seen notable year-on-year growth in the production of milk, eggs and meat during 2024-25, with growth rates in these sectors outpacing the national averages. However, the state’s per capita availability of these products remains significantly lower than the national figures, an analysis from the Basic Animal Husbandry Statistics 2025 reveals.
At a press conference in Patna on Wednesday, Additional Chief Secretary of the Animal Husbandry and Fisheries Department, Dr N Vijaya Lakshmi, shared the department’s statistics for the year.
Milk production in Bihar increased by 4.24%, reaching 13,397.69 thousand tonnes; egg production by 9.99% at 37,838.75 lakh eggs; and meat production by 4.03% with 420.59 thousand tonnes compared to the previous year. These growth rates surpassed the national averages of 3.58%, 4.44%, and 2.46%, respectively. According to the department, Bihar ranks first in the annual growth rate of egg production nationally, sixth in milk, and ninth in meat.
However, despite this increase in production, the state’s per capita availability remains low. In 2024-25, residents had access to 285 grams of milk per day, up from 277 grams in 2023-24, but still far below the national average of 485 grams per day. Similarly, per capita egg availability was 29 eggs per year, while the national average is 106. For meat, availability stoodpe at 3.27 kilograms per person per year, compared to the national average of 7.51 kilograms.
The department said that Bihar’s contribution to national production has increased. The state now accounts for 5.41% of India’s total milk production, 4% of its meat production, and 2.54% of its egg production, ranking ninth, tenth and eleventh among states, respectively. Under the Fourth Agriculture Road Map (2023–28), Bihar met nearly 95% of its production targets for milk, eggs and meat in 2024-25, the ACS said.
Growth in fisheries too
The department also highlighted substantial growth in Bihar’s fisheries sector. Fish production in the state increased by 9.85% in 2024-25, reaching 9.59 lakh tonnes, while fish seed and fingerling production grew by 44.46% and 24.70%, respectively. Over the past decade, Bihar’s fish production has increased by 81.98%, moving from ninth to fourth place in national rankings. Per capita availability of fish rose to 9.50 kilograms annually, compared to 8.73 kilograms in 2023-24. The per capita fish consumption in India is around 12-13 kg as per previous government reports.
According to the department, recent production gains are supported by an expansion of scientifically designed ponds, covering 7,575.12 hectares, incorporating water quality management and aeration systems. The state has also promoted intensified aquaculture through 764 biofloc units and 70 Recirculation Aquaculture System (RAS) units, enabling high-density fish farming and up to 90% water conservation. In addition, the installation or operationalisation of 70 fish feed mills aims to improve feed availability and production efficiency, the department said.
Story continues below this ad
Despite the production growth, revenue to the government from the fisheries sector remains low. In 2024-25, revenue increased by just 0.85% to ₹1,767.09 lakh, compared to ₹1,752.08 lakh in 2023-24. Dr Vijaya Lakshmi attributed this to the state’s focus on livelihood rather than revenue generation.
“The revenue is generated from our water bodies. Many people do not have the means to lease them. So, Bihar leases around 27,000 of its 30,000 water bodies at nominal rates to promote employment and food security,” she said.
National figures show that India ranks first globally in milk production, second in egg production, and fourth in meat production, according to the Basic Animal Husbandry Statistics 2025.
Himanshu Harsh is a Correspondent with The Indian Express, currently leading on-the-ground coverage in Bihar. With a reporting career rooted in the complexities of the National Capital Region (NCR), Himanshu specializes in the critical intersection of law, crime, and civic governance.
Professional Expertise & Credentials
An alumnus of the prestigious Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Delhi, Himanshu brings a rigorous academic foundation to his investigative work. His expertise is characterized by a "ground-up" reporting style, most notably demonstrated during his extensive coverage of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, where he analyzed shifting political landscapes and grassroots sentiment.
Specialized Beats
Himanshu’s portfolio reflects versatility, allowing him to navigate diverse industries and social issues:
Civic & Legal Affairs: Extensive experience covering the Delhi reporting beat, focusing on policy implementation and judicial impact.
Automotive Industry: A technical background in reporting on India’s evolving transport and automotive sectors.
Social Fabric & Human Interest: Beyond hard news, he is known for exploring the changing social dynamics of India’s urban and rural heartlands, bringing a human-centric lens to systemic issues.
Personal Interests & Digital Literacy
Outside the newsroom, Himanshu’s deep engagement with technology and gaming informs his understanding of digital trends and the modern information economy. A trained DJ with a passion for music, his diverse personal interests contribute to a well-rounded perspective that resonates across both traditional and digital media platforms. ... Read More
