Economic Survey reports rising livestock output as milk production approaches 75 million tonnes and poultry drives meat sector growth

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s estimated gross milk production increased to 74.69 million tonnes during fiscal year 2025-26, while total meat production surpassed 6.3 million tonnes, reflecting continued expansion of the country’s livestock sector, according to the Economic Survey of Pakistan 2025-26.

The latest estimates highlight sustained growth in milk and meat output, supported by an expanding livestock population and the increasing contribution of the poultry industry.

Milk production rises above 74 million tonnes

The Economic Survey estimated Pakistan’s gross milk production at 74.689 million tonnes in FY2025-26, compared with 72.343 million tonnes in FY2024-25 and 70.071 million tonnes in FY2023-24.

Buffaloes remained the country’s largest source of milk, producing 44.414 million tonnes, followed by cows with 28.104 million tonnes.

Gross milk production (000 tonnes)

Source	FY2023-24	FY2024-25	FY2025-26
Cow	26,099	27,083	28,104
Buffalo	41,887	43,132	44,414
Sheep	42	43	44
Goat	1,074	1,103	1,133
Camel	968	981	994
Total Gross Milk	70,071	72,343	74,689

Milk available for human consumption exceeds 60 million tonnes

After accounting for transportation losses and milk used for feeding calves, the quantity of milk available for human consumption was estimated at 60.185 million tonnes during FY2025-26, compared with 58.300 million tonnes in the previous fiscal year.

The Economic Survey explained that approximately 20 per cent of cow and buffalo milk production is deducted before calculating milk available for consumption, including:

• 15 per cent for transportation losses and inadequate chilling facilities.

• 5 per cent used for feeding calves.

The estimated milk available for human consumption comprised:

• Cow: 22.484 million tonnes

• Buffalo: 35.531 million tonnes

• Sheep: 44 thousand tonnes

• Goat: 1.133 million tonnes

• Camel: 994 thousand tonnes

Meat production surpasses 6.3 million tonnes

Pakistan’s total meat production rose to an estimated 6.314 million tonnes in FY2025-26, up from 5.967 million tonnes a year earlier, representing growth of nearly 6 per cent.

Poultry remained the fastest-growing segment, while beef production recovered after a slight decline in the previous fiscal year.

Meat production (000 tonnes)

Category	FY2023-24	FY2024-25	FY2025-26
Beef	2,630	2,548	2,634
Mutton	817	835	854
Poultry	2,362	2,583	2,826
Total Meat	5,809	5,967	6,314

Poultry meat production reached 2.826 million tonnes, accounting for nearly 45 per cent of total meat output. Beef production increased to 2.634 million tonnes, while mutton production rose to 854 thousand tonnes.

Estimates to be updated after agricultural census

The Economic Survey noted that the milk and meat production figures remain provisional and are based on livestock population projections using inter-censal growth rates derived from the 1996 and 2006 Livestock Census.

It added that the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) has yet to publish the complete livestock production parameters from the 7th Agricultural Census 2024-25. Once those data become available, the government will revise the current production estimates.

The continued increase in milk and meat production underscores the livestock sector’s growing contribution to Pakistan’s food security, nutrition, agricultural output and rural economy.