Sheep and goat meat market in India

Earlier Report Observations

The Indian sheep and goat meat market volume grew consistently from 3.5 million metric tons in 2018 to 5.5 million metric tons in 2023. This expansion was underpinned by a large national flock and sustained government vaccination programs, which secured animal health and production volumes. Export-oriented processing plants with integrated quality control further scaled up output, while the adoption of advanced cold chain solutions reduced wastage and supported the distribution of fresh meat.

Changing consumer habits drove demand for convenience and processed meat products, a trend amplified by the rise of direct-to-consumer companies and regulated micro-abattoirs that improved fresh meat access. Mandatory labeling regulations introduced in 2022 enhanced product traceability, and standardized GST rates streamlined domestic trade. These developments coincided with increased government support for sector R&D and skill development.

Although the COVID-19 pandemic caused supply chain disruptions in 2020, a concurrent industry focus on hygienic slaughter and processing helped maintain market growth. The period closed with strong momentum from the organized commercial farming segment and the untapped potential in value-added processed meats, which continued to attract investment and consumer interest.

Production sheep and goat meat in India

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, India maintained its position as the world's second-largest producer of sheep and goat meat by volume.

Top producers of sheep and goat meat, 2017-2020

World map of production of sheep and goat meat, 2017-2020

India's sheep and goat meat production grew for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 4 191 thousand tonnes, marking a 7.5% increase from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production rose by 21.9%, with an average annual growth rate of 6.8%.

Annual dynamics of production in India in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

India's sheep and goat meat production value also increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 26 549 million US dollars, up 5.8% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, production value grew by 31%, averaging 9.4% per year.

Annual dynamics of production in India in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports sheep and goat meat from India

Exports in kind, t

India's sheep and goat meat export volume fell for the third straight year. In 2020, exports totaled 7 640 tonnes, a sharp decline of 51.2% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports dropped by 66.6%, with an average annual decrease of 30.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from India in kind, 2017-2020, t

Between 2017 and 2020, the United Arab Emirates (63.4% of export volume), Saudi Arabia (12.2%), and Qatar (9.9%) were the top buyers of Indian sheep and goat meat. Together, they accounted for 85.5% of total export volume.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from India in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

Sheep and goat meat exports from India declined in value for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports were worth 48.4 million US dollars, down 52.0% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, export value fell by 64.1%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 29.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from India in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Over the 2017-2020 period, the United Arab Emirates (62.9% of export value), Saudi Arabia (13.0%), and Qatar (9.9%) contributed the most to India's sheep and goat meat exports by value. Combined, they represented 85.8% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from India in value, 2017-2020

Imports sheep and goat meat to India

Imports in kind, t

The market showed significant volatility during these years. Imports peaked in 2017 and hit their lowest point in 2020, with a swing of 4.5 times between the two. In 2020, India imported 43 tonnes of sheep and goat meat, a 75.1% drop from the previous year. The largest increase occurred in 2019, at 27.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to India in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, New Zealand (48.2% of import volume), Australia (21.5%), and Belgium (4.9%) remained the primary suppliers of sheep and goat meat to India. Together, they made up 74.6% of total import volume.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to India in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

Market behavior was marked by volatility during this period. Imports swung 4.2 times from their peak in 2019 to their trough in 2020. In 2020, imported sheep and goat meat volumes in India totaled 0.5 million US dollars, a sharp contraction of 76.3% from the year before. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 1.9 million US dollars, with the largest increase that year at 22.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to India in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, New Zealand and Australia dominated India's sheep and goat meat imports by value, accounting together for 84.9% of total flows. Other destinations had smaller individual shares.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to India in value, 2017-2020