Pakistan’s milk output surges over 80% in two decades

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 3rd May, 2026) Milk production in Pakistan has risen steadily over the past two decades, increasing by more than 80%.

According to official documents available with Wealth Pakistan, national milk output climbed from 31.97 million tonnes in 2005-06 to 58.3 million tonnes in 2024-25, marking an increase of 82.3%. The growth reflects the expanding capacity of the livestock sector, a cornerstone of the rural economy.

The upward trend has remained consistent. Production crossed 40 million tonnes in 2013-14, surpassed 50 million tonnes in 2020-21, and continued to accelerate thereafter. Output reached 52.99 million tonnes in 2021-22, 54.71 million tonnes in 2022-23, and 56.47 million tonnes in 2023-24 before touching the highest peak.

According to sector assessments, the sustained rise reflects improved livestock management, better feed availability, veterinary services, and growing demand for dairy products in both urban and rural markets.

Pakistan is among the major milk-producing countries, and with output nearing the 60-million-tonne mark, it is further strengthening its position in the global dairy landscape.

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

The sector remains a key pillar of livelihoods, food security, and nutrition, supporting millions of people linked directly and indirectly with dairy farming and related activities.

The Pakistan Dairy Association estimates there are 8 to 10 million dairy farms in the country, with 50 to 60 million people associated with dairy farming. Around 8 million rural families are engaged in livestock production. The association said livestock contributes around 35 to 40% of the total income of rural families involved in the sector, making animal husbandry a crucial source of household earnings and rural development.

According to the 7th Agricultural Census of Pakistan, the population of major milk-giving animals expanded sharply between 2006 and 2024, reinforcing the rise in milk production.

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

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

The expansion in milk-producing animal populations points to stronger livestock capacity, wider rural participation, and brighter prospects for dairy output, value addition, and food security in the years ahead.

According to the census, Punjab remains the country’s largest hub for cattle and buffalo populations, hosting 26.97 million cattle and 29.56 million buffaloes, underscoring its central role in national milk production.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa also holds a sizeable 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 maintaining 22.89 million goats and 0.77 million camels, indicating its strength in small ruminants and arid-zone livestock systems.

Goats remained the most numerous livestock category nationwide 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 of Pakistan’s livestock base.