21st Livestock Census launched to count 16 species of livestock

The central government launched the centrally sponsored 21st Livestock Census operation on 25 October 2024. Simultaneously, the government launched a $25 million Pandemic Fund Project to strengthen the country's animal health infrastructure.

The Livestock census operation and the Pandemic Fund Project were launched by the Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, Rajiv Ranjan Singh, in New Delhi.

The 21st Livestock census operation will be conducted nationwide from October 2024 to February 2025.

Who conducts the Livestock Census in the country 

The 21st Livestock Census is conducted by the Union Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying in partnership with the respective state government/Union Territories Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department. 

Interval of the Livestock Census 

The first livestock census in the country was held between 1919 and 1920, and since then, it has been held every five years. The 20th Livestock Census was held across the country in 2019.

Feature of the 21st  Livestock Census 

• The basic unit for the livestock stock census enumeration is the household.
• The Livestock Census will be conducted in all the districts of all States and Union Terrorists of the country, including all rural and urban households, non-households, enterprises, and Institutions. 
• All defence, para-military forces and state police establishments will be covered under the census. 
• The 21st Livestock Census will also include the sex-wise number of stray cattle.
• The field staff of the State Department of Animal Husbandry is used for the Livestock Census.
• The census is 100 per cent funded by the central government, and the total outlay for the 21st Livestock Census is Rs 200 crore.
• The census will focus on 219 indigenous breeds of 16 species.
• 15 species of livestock-- Cattle, Buffalo, Mithun, Yak, Sheep, Goat, Pig, Camel, Horse, Ponies, Mule, Donkey, Dog, Rabbit and Elephant wil be counted.
• The census will also count the poultry birds-Fowl, Duck, Turkey, Geese, Quail, Gini Fowl, Ostrich and Emu.
• It is the first livestock census in the country in which data on livestock holding by pastoralists will be available independently.
• It is the second census which is being done digitally through smartphone/tablet.

Benefits of the Livestock Census

• It will  provide details on livestock population ,breed, sex, age and use for 16 species in rural and urban areas. 
• It will help in gathering comprehensive data on the livestock population across India. 
• The data helps in the proper planning, formulation, implementation and monitoring of programs meant to improve the livestock sector. 
• It will help the government in framing the right policies for the growth of this sector and animal health security.