West Bengal has secured the top position in the country in meat production, Animal Resources Development Minister Swapan Debnath announced on Monday. The declaration was made during the celebration of Animal Resources Development Day across all blocks of the state. In Purbasthali-1 block, the programme was held at Damodarapara Old Age Home in the presence of Minister Debnath, Deputy Director Tuhin Chakraborty and other officials.
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Sharing official data, the minister said that in the 2024–25 financial year, West Bengal produced 13.08 lakh tonnes of meat, ranking first nationally. The state also secured fourth position in egg production, producing 1,598.20 crore eggs.
West Bengal contributes 10.72 percent of the country’s total egg production, with 56 percent of the state’s eggs coming from free-range farming, where ducks and chickens are reared in open fields.
In milk production, the state recorded an annual growth rate of 3.98 percent, higher than the national average of 3.58 percent.
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The minister further stated that since 2011, around 9.62 crore duck and chicken chicks have been distributed among 96.2 lakh individuals and women associated with self-help groups.
To strengthen veterinary services, mobile medical vans have been introduced in 344 blocks across the state. Additionally, a call centre-based telemedicine service is operational, and emergency veterinary assistance can be accessed by dialling 1962.
