Top 10 Countries Producing Raw Buffalo Milk in 2023
Buffalo milk has been a significant part of the dairy industry globally. Known for its rich nutritional value and creamy texture, buffalo milk is used for a wide variety of products, including butter, cheese, and yogurt. In fact, buffalo milk is especially important in countries where dairy is a staple food, and in regions where buffaloes are more common than cows.
The
top buffalo milk-producing countries in 2023 reflect a combination of
geographic, cultural, and economic factors. Below is an in-depth
analysis of the top 10 countries in raw buffalo milk production for
2023, highlighting the quantities of milk produced, the agricultural
context, and the economic significance of buffalo farming in each
country.
1. India - 104,388,290 Tonnes
India is the world's largest producer of buffalo milk, accounting for more than 60% of global production. Buffaloes in India are integral to the agricultural landscape, and they are particularly valuable due to their adaptability to the country's diverse climates and terrain. Buffalo milk in India is not only essential for domestic consumption but also plays a significant role in the dairy export industry.
In India, buffalo milk is primarily consumed as fresh milk or used to make dairy products like ghee, butter, paneer, and curd. The Indian government has long supported the buffalo farming sector with subsidies for feed, veterinary services, and infrastructure development, encouraging smallholder farmers to raise buffaloes. The states of Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan are the largest producers of buffalo milk in India.
India's buffalo milk production in 2023 is a reflection of its deeply entrenched dairy culture, where dairy farming serves as both an economic activity and a way of life for millions of people. The continued rise in production can be attributed to the increasing demand for dairy products, population growth, and advancements in breeding techniques that have improved buffalo yields.
2. Pakistan - 38,644,100 Tonnes
Pakistan holds the second spot in the world for buffalo milk production. Buffaloes are a major source of milk in Pakistan, and their milk is widely consumed across the country. In fact, buffalo milk is considered superior to cow milk in many parts of Pakistan due to its higher fat content and richness.
The buffaloes in Pakistan are predominantly found in the provinces of Punjab and Sindh, which have the right climate for buffalo farming. These regions have witnessed significant growth in the buffalo milk industry due to the availability of grazing land, water resources, and a culture steeped in dairy farming.
Pakistan's dairy industry also benefits from a large number of smallholder farmers who rear buffaloes for milk production. The milk is used for domestic consumption, but also processed into value-added products like butter, yogurt, and cheese. However, Pakistan faces challenges in modernizing its dairy industry, including inadequate infrastructure, low milk yields, and poor veterinary care, which limit the potential for further growth in the sector.
3. China - 3,281,939 Tonnes
China, while traditionally known for its cow milk production, has made significant strides in buffalo milk production in recent years. In 2023, China produced more than 3.28 million tonnes of buffalo milk, ranking third globally. This increase is largely due to the growing consumption of buffalo milk in certain regions of the country, where the population is switching to richer milk varieties for culinary and health reasons.
Buffalo farming is more concentrated in the southern provinces of China, where the subtropical and tropical climate is more conducive to raising buffaloes. The primary products derived from buffalo milk in China include various types of cheeses and yogurt. Buffalo milk is also becoming increasingly popular in Chinese cities as an alternative to cow milk, especially among those who are lactose intolerant, as buffalo milk is lower in lactose than cow milk.
Despite the challenges of a relatively small buffalo population compared to cows, China’s buffalo milk industry continues to grow due to rising demand, both domestically and from neighboring countries. The Chinese government has also provided support to the buffalo milk sector through research and development programs aimed at improving production techniques and increasing buffalo yields.
4. Nepal - 1,399,797 Tonnes
In Nepal, buffalo milk is a staple part of the diet, especially in rural areas. The country's dairy industry is heavily reliant on buffaloes, which are well-suited to the diverse geography of the region. Buffalo farming in Nepal is an essential livelihood for thousands of farmers who depend on milk production as their primary source of income.
Nepal's buffalo milk production has steadily increased in recent years, reaching nearly 1.4 million tonnes in 2023. The Terai region, which is a lowland area in the southern part of Nepal, has the highest concentration of buffaloes, and it is where the majority of the buffalo milk is produced. Additionally, areas in the hill regions also contribute to the overall milk production.
Buffalo milk is used in the production of a wide range of dairy products in Nepal, including curd (dahi), butter, ghee, and paneer. The export of buffalo milk products, especially ghee, to countries like India and the Middle East, has also boosted Nepal's dairy sector. Despite challenges such as low productivity and underdeveloped infrastructure, the buffalo milk industry remains a vital part of Nepal's economy.
5. Egypt - 1,357,667 Tonnes
Egypt's buffalo milk production stands at 1.36 million tonnes in 2023, placing it fifth in the world. Buffaloes are an important part of Egypt's dairy industry, particularly in the Nile Delta and Upper Egypt regions. These areas offer favorable conditions for raising buffaloes, with abundant water sources from the Nile River, fertile soil for grazing, and a warm climate that buffaloes thrive in.
In Egypt, buffalo milk is highly valued for its high fat content, and it is used to produce a variety of dairy products such as white cheese (domiati), butter, and ghee. Buffalo milk is also consumed in its raw form, and it plays an important role in the diet of Egyptians, especially in rural areas.
Egypt's buffalo milk industry faces challenges such as outdated farming practices, limited access to modern dairy technologies, and water scarcity. However, the government has implemented policies aimed at modernizing the sector, such as improving veterinary care, providing financial assistance to farmers, and investing in dairy processing facilities.
6. Bangladesh - 351,700 Tonnes
Buffaloes are an integral part of Bangladesh's agricultural economy, and buffalo milk is a staple food for millions of people in the country. In 2023, Bangladesh produced approximately 352,000 tonnes of buffalo milk, ranking sixth globally. The majority of buffalo farming in Bangladesh takes place in the rural areas, where small-scale farmers rear buffaloes for milk production.
Buffalo milk is used in Bangladesh for making traditional dairy products like yogurt, sweets, and butter. The country has a long-standing tradition of using buffalo milk for these purposes, especially in the preparation of sweets like "rosogolla" and "mishti doi." Despite the importance of buffalo farming in Bangladesh, the sector faces challenges such as poor infrastructure, low productivity, and insufficient research into improving buffalo breeds.
Nevertheless, the government of Bangladesh has been working to improve the productivity of buffalo farming by promoting modern dairy farming practices and providing farmers with access to veterinary care and better breeding stock.
7. Italy - 254,280 Tonnes
Italy, known for its rich culinary heritage, is one of the top producers of buffalo milk in Europe. In 2023, Italy produced approximately 254,280 tonnes of buffalo milk. The country's buffalo milk industry is centered around the production of mozzarella di bufala, a high-quality cheese that is famous worldwide.
The production of buffalo milk in Italy is concentrated in regions such as Campania, Lazio, and Puglia. The fertile lands, combined with the favorable climate, make these areas ideal for raising buffaloes. In addition to mozzarella, buffalo milk in Italy is also used to produce butter, ricotta, and other specialty dairy products.
Italy's buffalo farming sector is highly regulated, and the country has strict quality standards for its dairy products, particularly mozzarella di bufala. As a result, Italian buffalo milk products have a reputation for being among the best in the world, and they are highly sought after by international markets. However, the industry faces challenges such as rising production costs and competition from other dairy products.
8. Iran - 128,000 Tonnes
Iran's buffalo milk production in 2023 reached 128,000 tonnes, placing it in the eighth position globally. Buffalo farming in Iran is primarily found in the provinces of Khuzestan and Lorestan, where the climate is well-suited to the animals. Buffaloes in Iran are primarily raised for milk, but they are also used for meat production in certain regions.
Buffalo milk is consumed domestically and is used to produce a variety of dairy products, including yogurt and cheese. In particular, Iranian buffalo milk is used to make "kashk," a fermented dairy product that is an important part of the country's cuisine.
Iran's buffalo milk industry faces several challenges, including limited access to modern farming techniques, inadequate veterinary services, and a lack of research into improving buffalo breeds. However, the government has been making efforts to modernize the industry by providing support to dairy farmers and encouraging the development of the domestic dairy processing sector.
9. Myanmar - 100,000 Tonnes
Myanmar's buffalo milk production in 2023 was 100,000 tonnes, placing it ninth in the world. Buffaloes are an essential part of Myanmar's rural economy, especially in the central and lower regions of the country, where the buffalo population is concentrated. In Myanmar, buffaloes are not only valued for their milk but also for their role in plowing fields and assisting in other agricultural activities.
Buffalo milk is used for domestic consumption and for making various dairy products, particularly traditional fermented milk products like yogurt. However, Myanmar's buffalo milk industry faces challenges such as a lack of modern dairy infrastructure, low milk yields, and limited access to veterinary care.
Despite these challenges, the government and local organizations have been working to promote buffalo farming by offering training programs for farmers and encouraging the use of better breeding stock.
10. Sri Lanka - 95,850 Tonnes
Sri Lanka, with a production of 95,850 tonnes of buffalo milk in 2023, ranks tenth in the world. The country's buffalo milk production is concentrated in the north and east, where buffalo farming has been practiced for centuries. In Sri Lanka, buffalo milk is primarily used to produce dairy products such as curd and ghee, both of which are integral to Sri Lankan cuisine.
Despite
its relatively small scale compared to other countries on this list,
Sri Lanka's buffalo milk sector is culturally significant. The country
faces challenges in improving milk yields and developing the dairy
industry due to limited access to modern farming techniques and
veterinary care. However, the government has been making strides to
improve the industry by investing in research and development and
offering support to farmers.
Conclusion
The top buffalo milk-producing countries in 2023 reflect a combination of geographic advantages, agricultural practices, and cultural preferences for buffalo milk. While countries like India and Pakistan dominate global production, buffalo farming is crucial for the economies of many nations, from Egypt to Italy. The dairy products derived from buffalo milk, such as ghee, mozzarella, and yogurt, are integral to local diets and hold significant economic value. Despite challenges in modernization and infrastructure, the buffalo milk industry is expected to continue growing as global demand for dairy products increases.
Source from FAOSTAT
Photo from iStock