India Cattle Feed Market- Trend Analysis & Forecast to 2030

The cattle feed market in India was valued at US$ ** billion in 2023, with production volumes reaching ** million tonnes. The market is projected to expanded at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of **% from 2024 to 2030. The India cattle feed market is growing significantly due to increasing livestock farming, rising dairy product consumption, and government initiatives promoting modern animal husbandry practices. Forecasted to expand at a robust CAGR until 2030, the sector is witnessing innovation in feed formulations, leveraging sustainable ingredients and technologies to optimize cattle health and productivity.

Market/ Product Overview

India's cattle feed market is a vital component of the country’s agricultural and dairy ecosystem. With the world’s largest livestock population, India plays a pivotal role in the global dairy industry. The increasing emphasis on improving milk yield, livestock health, and sustainable feed practices has transformed the market dynamics. Valued at approximately US$ 10 billion in 2023, it is expected to grow at a CAGR of over 6% from 2024 to 2030. This growth is fueled by rising awareness among farmers, the penetration of organized feed manufacturers, and supportive government policies like the Rashtriya Gokul Mission and animal welfare schemes.

Animal Feed Production and Consumption Trend in India

India’s cattle feed production is aligned with its position as the leading global producer of milk, with over 210 to 230 million metric tons of annual dairy output. Feed consumption is driven by the dairy and meat sectors, reflecting a growing demand for balanced rations. With increased mechanization and commercial dairy farming, the consumption of high-quality feed and nutritional supplements has steadily risen, making India one of the fastest-growing feed markets globally.

The increasing population, urbanization, and dietary shifts toward protein-rich foods like milk and meat drive demand for high-quality cattle feed. Improved awareness among farmers regarding the benefits of compound feed in enhancing livestock productivity and preventing diseases further supports market growth. Additionally, the government’s focus on increasing rural incomes and modernizing the dairy sector ensures consistent demand for nutritious cattle feed.

India Cattle Feed Production & Demand Trend

India produces over 25 million metric tons of cattle feed annually, with demand projected to grow at 7% CAGR due to expanding dairy operations. Feed manufacturers increasingly cater to the nutritional needs of crossbred and high-yield cattle. The trend toward precision feeding, involving tailored rations for specific cattle breeds and lactation stages, highlights the evolving sophistication in production practices.

Cattle feed in India primarily comprises ingredients like maize, soybean meal, groundnut cake, rice bran, and wheat bran. Minerals, vitamins, and additives are included to enhance nutritional value. Regional preferences and availability of raw materials often influence feed compositions. For instance, cottonseed cake is prominent in western India, while rice bran is widely used in southern regions.

The Indian cattle feed market comprises three primary categories of producers. Home-mixers, primarily small-scale and unorganized players, dominate rural areas with low-cost, basic feed options. Dairy cooperatives, like AMUL, integrate feed production to support member farmers with balanced rations, enhancing milk yield. Private sector manufacturers, such as Godrej Agrovet, operate in organized markets, leveraging R&D and technology to develop premium feed formulations. Each player serves a specific segment, contributing to the ecosystem's diversity.

India Cattle Feed Market Growth Factors

The growing demand for dairy products, coupled with increasing disposable incomes, significantly boosts cattle feed demand. Rising consumer awareness about livestock health and productivity promotes the adoption of fortified feed. Government policies encouraging sustainable livestock practices, combined with technological advancements in feed production, act as major growth catalysts. Export opportunities for premium feed products further strengthen the market’s growth trajectory.

India Cattle Feed Market Restraints & Challenges

Despite robust growth, the industry faces challenges such as fluctuating raw material prices, which impact production costs and profitability. The unorganized sector’s dominance, accounting for nearly half of the market, limits quality standardization. Farmers' limited purchasing power and awareness about the benefits of compound feed in certain regions also hinder market penetration. Additionally, supply chain inefficiencies and seasonal variations in feed ingredient availability pose logistical challenges.

India Cattle Feed Industry: Supply Chain Constraints and Value Chain Challenges

The fragmented nature of India’s cattle feed market creates supply chain inefficiencies, particularly in rural areas. Limited cold storage and transportation infrastructure lead to losses of perishable feed ingredients. Price volatility in raw materials like maize and soybean disrupts production planning. The lack of regulatory enforcement further exacerbates quality inconsistencies. However, digital platforms and cooperative models are emerging as potential solutions to streamline the value chain.

India Cattle Feed Trade (Export & Import) Trend

India's cattle feed trade is in its nascent stage, with exports primarily targeting neighboring markets like Nepal and Bangladesh. The focus is on high-protein feed and supplements. Imports are minimal, limited to specialized ingredients like lysine and methionine. Trade policies promoting agricultural exports, coupled with competitive manufacturing costs, position India as a potential hub for feed exports in the coming years.

In 2023-24, India exported compound feeds valued at US$ 288.37 million. Major export destinations for India compound feeds include Bangladesh, Vietnam, Nepal, Norway, and Saudi Arabia.

India Cattle Feed Market Competitive Analysis

The competitive landscape includes a mix of domestic and multinational players. Organized manufacturers like Godrej Agrovet, Trouw Nutrition, and Cargill India lead with advanced formulations and strong distribution networks. Dairy cooperatives such as AMUL maintain significant market share through their integrated supply chains. The unorganized sector, though fragmented, dominates rural markets with cost-effective offerings, providing tough competition to organized players.

List of Key Companies in India Cattle Feed Market (Manufacturers/Suppliers/ Exporters),

■ Godrej Agrovet Ltd.
■ Cargill India Pvt. Ltd.
■ AMUL (Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation)
■ Trouw Nutrition India
■ Cargill India
■ Suguna Foods Pvt. Ltd.
■ Amrit Feeds Ltd.
■ Patanjali Ayurved Limited
■ Japfa Comfeed India Pvt. Ltd.
■ Anmol Feeds Pvt. Ltd.
■ Venkateshwara Hatcheries Pvt. Ltd.
■ CP Group India ■ KSE Ltd.
■ SKM Animal Feeds and Foods Ltd.
■ Skylark Feed Pvt. Ltd.
■ De Heus India Pvt. Ltd.

Future Outlook

The India cattle feed market is poised for sustained growth through 2030, driven by increasing adoption of precision feeding, innovation in feed formulations, and government initiatives supporting dairy and livestock sectors. Expanding rural connectivity and awareness programs will boost demand, particularly in underserved regions. The industry is also set to benefit from export opportunities, fostering global competitiveness.