What is the livestock census and why is it conducted?

29-10-2024

The Livestock Census is a comprehensive headcount conducted every 5 years to account for domesticated animals, poultry, and stray animals in India.
1. This census collects detailed information on various aspects of these animals, including species, breed, age, sex, and ownership status.
2. "Headcount" refers to the total number of individual animals of a particular species or breed present in a given area or region
Since 1919, a total of 20 livestock censuses have been conducted, with the most recent being in 2019.
The 21st Livestock Census was launched on October 25, 2024, and the enumeration process will take place from October 2024 to February 2025.
Approximately 87,000 enumerators will visit homes, farms, institutions (like gaushalas, dairy farms, and veterinary colleges), and other establishments to gather data on livestock, targeting around 30 crore households across the country.

Species Counted in the 21st Census

According to the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, information on 16 animal species will be collected in the 21st census.
These 16 species include: cattle, buffalo, mithun, yak, sheep, goat, pig, camel, horse, ponies, mule, donkey, dog, rabbit, and elephant.
In total, the census will capture information on 219 indigenous breeds of these sixteen species recognised by ICAR-National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR).
1. ICAR is the apex body responsible for coordinating, guiding, and managing research and education in agriculture across India.
2. It operates under the DARES, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
Besides these, the census will also carry out a headcount of poultry birds such as fowl, chicken, duck, turkey, geese, quail, ostrich, and emu.

The livestock sector is important for employment in rural areas and contributes significantly to the economy:

Gross Value Added (GVA): The livestock sector contributes roughly 4.7% to the overall economy, while poultry and animal husbandry account for about 30% of the agricultural sector's GVA. In comparison, the entire agriculture sector contributes approximately 15% to GVA.
The census data will help to estimate GVA from the livestock sector and inform policies to ensure sustainable growth in this area.
The Union Minister said that the Livestock Census "shapes policies, ensures sustainable growth of India’s Livestock Sector."
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): The census data will be helpful in tracking progress toward the SDGs, particularly Goal 2 (Zero Hunger) and Target 2.5, which aims to maintain genetic diversity in food and nutrition.

This census will be fully digitized, similar to the previous one in 2019, adding several advancements:

Online data collection through a mobile application, with monitoring via a digital dashboard.
It will also capture the latitude and longitude of data collection locations.
New Data Points:
1. Collection of data on pastoral animals and the socio-economic status of pastoralists for the first time.
2. Detailed information on the income sources of households dependent on the livestock sector.
3. Gender-specific data on stray cattle.