Tarun Karthick
Campbell Bay, 25 November 2024
The 21st Livestock Census, a nationwide exercise aimed at gathering data on livestock populations, officially began on October 25, 2024. This census will continue until February 2025 and is conducted every five years to help formulate policies and strategies for the improvement of the livestock sector. The initiative seeks to enhance the sector’s contribution to India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). For the second time, the entire operation is conducted digitally, with enumerators using electronic devices such as tablets and smartphones. These devices are equipped with specialised software developed by the NDLM wing of the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying in New Delhi.
The objective of the census is to collect detailed information on livestock populations, including data on breeds, sex, age, and usage for 16 species across both rural and urban areas. The comprehensive data gathered will assist in the proper planning, formulation, and implementation of programs to improve the livestock sector. It will also help in identifying trends, allocating resources, and reporting internationally.
The census will cover all districts across India, including households, non-households, enterprises, and institutions. For the first time, the sex-wise data on stray cattle will also be collected. The exercise will also extend to all defence establishments, paramilitary forces, and state police establishments.
In the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the Department of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services is the nodal agency, overseeing the census in 549 villages and 24 wards spread across three districts. A team of 53 enumerators, 8 supervisors, and 3 district nodal officers will carry out the survey under the guidance of the Assistant State Nodal Officer and State Nodal Officer.
Livestock owners in the Union Territory have been urged to cooperate with enumerators during their visits to ensure the accurate collection of data. The final submission of the census data is expected by February 2025.