₹200 Crore Census Aims to Boost Livestock Sector in India

Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh launched the 21st Livestock Census on October 25, which will run until February 2025. The census is funded by the central government at a cost of ₹200 crore It aims to provide precise data to help formulate effective policies for animal health security and sector growth. Singh emphasized the importance of conducting the census with integrity and regular monitoring. He stated, “This will help the government in framing the right policies for the growth of this sector and animal health security.”

In addition to the census, a USD 25 million ‘Pandemic Fund Project’ was launched to enhance animal health security and preparedness.

Census Details Approximately 1 lakh field officials, mainly veterinarians or para-veterinarians, will participate in the enumeration.

Data collection will focus on 219 indigenous breeds across 15 livestock species including cattle, buffalo, sheep, goats, pigs, and more. The census will also count poultry birds, including fowl, ducks, and emus.

This census will utilize mobile technology for efficient data collection and transmission. It will be the first to independently report livestock holdings by pastoralists. It will include information on the gender of individuals primarily involved in livestock rearing.

Singh highlighted India’s challenges in exporting milk and dairy products despite being the world’s largest milk producer. The data collected is expected to aid in policy-making that boosts exports and enhances animal health security.