New Delhi: The central governemnt has launched the 21st Livestock Census was with a budget of Rs 200 crore. This initiative is set to be completed by February 2025. According to reports, Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh, who is currently in charge of Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying and Ministry of Panchayati Raj, stated that the accurate data will aid in developing policies to enhance animal health security and promote growth in the sector.
Earlier, the minister inaugurated a USD 25 million 'Pandemic Fund Project' to enhance animal health security in India for pandemic readiness and action. Speaking at an event, the minister emphasized the importance of conducting the livestock census with complete honesty and sincerity. According to PTI, he urged full integrity in conducting the census and directed ministry officials to monitor progress of census on a regular basis.
Initiative Aims to Enhance Animal Health, Boost Dairy Exports
The central government will fully cover the expenses of the 21st Livestock Census and the report would be released in the following year. The animal Census is scheduled to begin from October 2024 to February 2025. Approximately 100,000 field officials, primarily veterinarians or para-veterinarians, will participate in the enumeration process nationwide.
Reportedly, data on 219 indigenous breeds of 16 species will be collected in the census. Rajiv Ranjan Singh highlighted that despite being the biggest producer of milk in the world, India has not succeeded in exporting milk and other dairy products on a large scale. He further stated that the 21st Livestock Census would assist the government in formulating appropriate policies for the development of this sector and leading to a rise in daily exports.
India’s Livestock Census Set to Utilize Mobile Technology for Enhanced Data Collection
The census will gather information on 15 types of animals raised for production - Cattle, Buffalo, Mithun, Yak, Sheep, Goat, Pig, Camel, Horse, Ponies, Mule, Donkey, Dog, Rabbit and Elephant. In addition to livestock, the number of poultry birds - including chickens, ducks, turkeys, geese, quail, guinea fowl, ostriches, and emus - will also be counted in every household, household enterprise, non-household, and institution.
ICAR-National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR) acknowledges these species. The livestock census, carried out every five years since 1919, is essential for shaping policies and implementing programs in the animal husbandry sector. The census includes a thorough survey conducted from door to door that collects detailed information on pets and birds throughout the country. Up to now, there have been 20 livestock censuses carried out, with the most recent one taking place in 2019.
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The most recent census utilizes mobile technology for gathering and sending data. This is anticipated to improve the precision and effectiveness of data gathering in every village and urban ward in the nation. Significantly, it will mark the inaugural census in the nation featuring separate data on livestock ownership by pastoralists. This livestock count will also provide data on the "main gender involved in raising livestock".
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