RISING DEMAND FOR ANIMAL PRODUCTS AND FEED IN INDIA: PROSPECTS FOR PRODUCTION, TRADE, AND TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENT

India's livestock sector plays a major role in food security, rural livelihoods, agricultural diversification, and the supply of nutritious animal-source foods. Population growth, rising household incomes, urbanization, changing consumption preferences, and the expansion of food-processing industries are expected to increase demand for milk, meat, eggs, and other animal products over the coming decades. Meeting this demand will require simultaneous improvements in livestock productivity, feed availability, animal health, supply-chain efficiency, and technological innovation. Feed resources are particularly important because livestock production depends on the availability, nutritional quality, affordability, and year-round accessibility of feed and fodder. Competition for agricultural land, seasonal fodder shortages, climate variability, and fluctuations in oilseed meal and grain markets may constrain future expansion. The USDA Economic Research Service's 2025 assessment indicates that Indian demand for animal products may grow faster than supply under historical productivity trends and that additional feed imports may become necessary. This review examines the major drivers of animal-product demand, the present production outlook, feed-resource constraints, trade opportunities, and emerging technologies relevant to India's livestock economy. Potential interventions include precision feeding, improved fodder varieties, crop-residue treatment, silage production, alternative feed ingredients, genetic improvement, digital livestock management, disease surveillance, and climate-smart farming. The review argues that an integrated strategy combining productivity growth, efficient resource use, appropriate trade policies, and inclusive technology adoption is essential for a resilient livestock sector. Particular attention should be given to smallholder farmers, feed affordability, food safety, environmental sustainability, and the development of domestic feed supply chains.