May 6, 2026

 

Pakistan's milk production sees significant increase over last two decades

 

 

Milk production in Pakistan has registered a sustained and significant rise over the past two decades, increasing by more than 80% and reflecting the steady expansion of the country's livestock sector.

 

According to official documents available with Wealth Pakistan, national milk output rose from 31.97 million tonnes in 2005–06 to 58.3 million tonnes in 2024–25, marking an increase of 82.3%. The growth underscores the strengthening capacity of the livestock sector, which remains a key pillar of the rural economy.

 

The upward trajectory has remained consistent over the years. Production crossed the 40 million tonnes mark in 2013–14, surpassed 50 million tonnes in 2020–21, and continued its upward momentum in subsequent years.

 

Output stood at 52.99 million tonnes in 2021–22, increased to 54.71 million tonnes in 2022–23, and reached 56.47 million tonnes in 2023–24 before touching its highest level in 2024–25.

 

Sector assessments attribute this sustained growth to improved livestock management practices, enhanced feed availability, better veterinary services, and rising domestic demand for dairy products in both urban and rural markets.

 

Pakistan is among the major milk-producing countries globally, and with production nearing the 60-million-tonne threshold, it is further consolidating its position in the international dairy landscape.

 

According to the Pakistan Dairy Association, the dairy sector is emerging as one of the country's most promising investment avenues, offering opportunities in farm productivity enhancement, milk collection systems, value-added processing, and export-oriented buffalo dairy products.

 

The sector continues to serve as a critical source of livelihoods, food security, and nutrition, supporting millions of people directly and indirectly linked with dairy farming and allied activities.

 

The Pakistan Dairy Association estimates that there are eight to 10 million dairy farms across the country, with 50 to 60 million people associated with dairy farming. Around eight million rural families are engaged in livestock production.

 

It further notes that livestock contributes around 35-40% of total income for rural households involved in the sector, making animal husbandry a vital driver of rural income and development.

 

According to the 7th Agricultural Census of Pakistan, the population of major milk-producing animals has expanded significantly between 2006 and 2024, reinforcing the upward trend in milk production.

 

Cattle numbers nearly doubled to 55.86 million in 2024 from 29.56 million in 2006, registering an increase of around 89%, while buffaloes rose to 47.74 million from 27.33 million, up by about 75%.

 

Goat population increased to 95.83 million from 53.79 million, showing growth of nearly 78%, while sheep numbers rose to 44.59 million from 26.49 million, an increase of about 68%.

 

This expansion in livestock population highlights strengthened sectoral capacity, wider rural participation and improving prospects for dairy production, value addition and food security in the coming years.

 

The census data shows that Punjab remains the country's largest livestock hub, with 26.97 million cattle and 29.56 million buffaloes, underscoring its dominant role in national milk production.

 

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa also holds a significant share, with 13.51 million cattle and 22.49 million goats, reflecting the importance of mixed livestock farming in the province.

 

Sindh reported 11.21 million cattle and 13.46 million buffaloes, highlighting its strong contribution to the dairy economy.

 

Balochistan emerged as the leading province in sheep population with 18.81 million heads, while also recording 22.89 million goats and 0.77 million camels, underscoring its strength in small ruminants and arid-zone livestock systems.

 

Nationally, goats remain the most numerous livestock category at 95.83 million, followed by cattle at 55.86 million, buffaloes at 47.74 million, and sheep at 44.59 million, reflecting the broad diversity and scale of Pakistan's livestock base.

 

- Pakistan Today