Rajiv Ranjan Singh to Inaugurate 21st Livestock Census

The Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh, also known as Lalan Singh, is set to launch the 21st Livestock Census operation, a significant initiative aimed at gathering comprehensive data on India’s livestock sector. The launch event is scheduled for October 25, 2024 at Hotel Leela Ambience Convention in Shahdara, New Delhi.

Key Attendees

Chief Guest : Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying.

Guests of Honour : Ministers of State Shri Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel and Shri George Kurian.

Distinguished Participants 

• Shri Amitabh Kant, G20 Sherpa.
• Prof. Dr. V.K. Paul, Member (Health), NITI Aayog.
• Ms. Alka Upadhyaya, Secretary, Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying.
• Ms. Punya Salila Srivastava, Secretary, Health & Family Welfare.

About the 21st Livestock Census

Historical Background

• The Livestock Census has been conducted every five years since 1919, and this will be the 21st edition. It is a critical exercise in supporting policy decisions and program implementations for animal husbandry.

Duration

• The Census will be conducted from October 2024 to February 2025.

Collaborating Agencies

• Undertaken with the support of State and Union Territory Animal Husbandry and Dairying departments.

Census Process and Technology

• Approximately 1 lakh veterinarians and para-veterinarians will perform door-to-door enumeration across India’s villages and urban wards.
• Data will be collected and transmitted digitally via mobile devices, increasing efficiency and accuracy in data processing.

Scope of Data Collection

Species Covered

• Data will be collected on 15 livestock species, including Cattle, Buffalo, Mithun, Yak, Sheep, Goat, Pig, Camel, Horse, Ponies, Mule, Donkey, Dog, Rabbit, and Elephant.

Poultry Species

• Counts of Fowl, Duck, Turkey, Geese, Quail, Gini Fowl, Ostrich, and Emu will also be recorded.

Breed Data

• The census will document 219 indigenous breeds across 16 species as recognized by ICAR-National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR).

Unique Aspects of This Census

• For the first time, data on livestock holdings by pastoralists will be independently documented.

• Information on the gender of the individual primarily involved in livestock rearing will be collected, adding a social dimension to the data.

Significance

• The Census will provide foundational data for the design and implementation of programs in the animal husbandry and dairy sectors.
• With insights on livestock numbers, distribution, and breed diversity, the Census will support tailored policies and resource allocation for sustainable sector growth.