The India animal feed market attained a value of USD 14.34 Billion in 2024 and is expected to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 3.90% during the forecast period of 2025-2034. By 2034, the market is expected to reach USD 21.02 Billion. This steady growth is driven by a surge in demand for high-quality animal feed across various sectors such as poultry, cattle, swine, and aquaculture. The increasing focus on livestock health, coupled with the rapid growth of animal-based food production, is expected to fuel the market's expansion. In this blog, we will explore key segments of the India animal feed market, its growth drivers, challenges, and future opportunities.
Market Overview: India’s Growing Appetite for Animal Feed
India is one of the largest producers of livestock products globally, making the animal feed industry a critical component of its agricultural sector. The rise in demand for dairy, poultry, and aquaculture products, along with growing urbanization and changing dietary preferences, has made high-quality animal feed an essential part of India’s agricultural practices. The need for specialized feed to improve livestock health, enhance productivity, and increase food security has led to significant advancements in feed formulations and delivery methods.
The market for animal feed is divided into several categories based on product types, feed forms, and applications. Understanding these distinctions is key to grasping how the industry is evolving and which factors are contributing to its growth.
Market Segmentation: Product Types
Poultry Feed
Poultry farming remains one of the largest segments in the Indian animal feed market, thanks to the high demand for chicken and eggs. India is a major player in the global poultry market, and as the industry grows, so does the need for efficient and nutritious poultry feed. Products such as pre-starter, starter, grower, finisher, and layer feed are commonly used. The growing awareness of the importance of fortified and balanced nutrition in poultry farming is driving demand for advanced poultry feed.
Cattle Feed
India is the world's largest producer and consumer of milk, making cattle feed essential for dairy farming. Specialized feeds that cater to both dairy cattle and beef cattle are in high demand. Dairy cattle feed is formulated to increase milk yield, while beef cattle feed focuses on improving weight gain and overall health. The rise of organized dairy farming and the government's initiatives to support the dairy industry are expected to boost the cattle feed market.
Swine Feed
Although swine farming is smaller in scale compared to poultry and cattle farming, it is growing steadily, particularly in states such as Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and West Bengal. Swine feed is crucial for enhancing meat quality, ensuring rapid growth, and improving feed conversion ratios. Specialized feed formulations for pigs are becoming more common as farmers seek to improve the efficiency of their operations.
Aqua Feed
Aquaculture is rapidly expanding in India due to the increasing demand for seafood. The country's vast coastline and inland water bodies make it a hub for aquaculture. As the industry expands, the need for specialized aqua feed grows. Fish feed, shrimp feed, and other aquatic species-specific feed products are in demand to optimize growth rates and improve disease resistance. The growing awareness of sustainable aquaculture practices is also influencing feed formulations, including the use of eco-friendly ingredients.
Pet Feed
India’s pet industry is witnessing rapid growth, and with it, the demand for premium pet food is also increasing. With more people adopting pets and becoming increasingly concerned about their health, pet feed is evolving to include organic, natural, and nutritionally balanced products. This segment includes dog food, cat food, and specialized feeds for other pets like birds and rabbits.
Market Segmentation: By Feed Form
Pellets
Pelleted feed is among the most commonly used form of animal feed in India. It is popular for its ease of handling, storage, and distribution. Pellets are highly efficient and reduce waste, ensuring that animals receive the full nutritional benefit of the feed. Poultry and cattle farming sectors, in particular, are adopting pelleted feed to improve feed intake and reduce production costs.
Crumbles
Crumbles are typically used for younger poultry, particularly chicks. This form of feed allows for easier consumption, thereby improving feed intake and growth rates in young birds. Crumbles also help reduce wastage, making them an attractive option for poultry farms.
Mash
Mash feed is a traditional form of feed used by many farmers, especially in rural areas. However, it is less efficient than pellets or crumbles because of higher wastage rates. Mash is primarily used in smaller operations, where cost considerations often outweigh efficiency.
Others
Other forms of feed include liquids and raw ingredients, though these are less commonly used in comparison to pelleted and crumbled forms. These forms might be used in specific, smaller-scale or niche markets.
Regional Analysis: Animal Feed Demand Across India
India's vast geography and diverse agricultural practices contribute to varied demand for animal feed across regions.
Northern India
States like Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh are prominent for their cattle farming and dairy industries. With dairy farming being a critical component of the economy, demand for cattle feed, particularly those designed for milk-producing cattle, is high. In these areas, both traditional and modern farming practices are prevalent, leading to a mix of feed types used across the region.
Southern India
In states like Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana, poultry farming is a key driver of the animal feed market. These regions are home to large-scale commercial poultry farms. As poultry farming in India increasingly adopts advanced feeding practices, the demand for specialized poultry feed is likely to continue its upward trajectory.
Western and Eastern India
Maharashtra, Gujarat, and West Bengal are growing hubs for both dairy and poultry industries. Additionally, aquaculture in Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal contributes to the demand for aqua feed. The growing population in these areas, along with rising incomes and changing dietary habits, are expected to drive further demand for animal feed.
Market Dynamics
SWOT Analysis
Strengths:
Growing demand for animal-based products (dairy, poultry, seafood).
Increasing awareness among farmers regarding the benefits of high-quality, specialized feed.
Government support for agricultural and livestock sectors.
Weaknesses:
High raw material costs and dependency on imports for certain ingredients.
Lack of awareness about advanced feed formulations in rural areas.
Opportunities:
Expansion of the pet care market with rising pet ownership.
Focus on sustainability in feed production, such as plant-based proteins and eco-friendly alternatives.
Technological advancements in feed formulations and manufacturing.
Threats:
Price volatility of feed ingredients such as corn and soybeans.
Competition from international players entering the Indian market.
Key Trends and Developments
Sustainability: There is increasing interest in sustainable feed solutions. Farmers and feed manufacturers are exploring plant-based proteins, insect-based feed, and other environmentally friendly alternatives.
Technological Innovations: The use of artificial intelligence and data analytics in feed formulation is gaining traction, helping to optimize feed efficiency and animal health.
Premium Pet Feed: The rise of urban pet ownership has spurred growth in the pet feed segment, especially for premium products that focus on organic and nutritious ingredients.
Competitive Landscape
Several key players dominate the Indian animal feed market, including both domestic and international companies.
Cargill India: Known for its comprehensive range of animal nutrition solutions, Cargill has established a strong presence in the Indian market.
Godrej Agrovet: One of India’s leading players, Godrej Agrovet offers feed solutions across multiple segments, including poultry, dairy, and aquaculture.
BRF India: A significant player in the poultry feed segment, offering a wide range of feed products designed for optimal growth and productivity.
Royal DSM: Focused on providing sustainable and advanced feed additives and solutions.
