India: Livestock and Products Annual

Beef (primarily carabeef, i.e. meat derived from Asian domestic water buffalo) production in 2026 is expected to be driven by domestic needs while export demand is likely to take a back seat. 2026 beef production is forecast at 4.7 million metric tons (MMT), up one percent from 4.6 MMT in 2025. 2026 beef exports are forecast to reach 1.55 MMT, up by one percent over 2025. Expectations of steady exports to Malaysia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia, as well as sluggish exports to Indonesia, Vietnam, and Iraq, are behind the weak export growth forecast. Domestic consumption is forecast at 3.2 MMT, up two percent over 2025. A growing population, stable and low inflation, rising household income, and large supply of slaughter-ready cattle are driving production and consumption growth. New Delhi (Post) forecasts India's cattle beginning stock for calendar year (CY) 2026 at 307.5 million head.