20th Livestock Census

News: The 20^thLivestock Census has been released.

Facts:

Key takeaways:

• The total Livestock population is 535.78 million in the country showing an increase of 4.6% over Livestock Census-2012
• Total Bovine population (Cattle, Buffalo, Mithun and Yak) is 302.79 Million in 2019 which shows an increase of about 1% over the previous census.
• The total number of cattle in the country in 2019 is 192.49 million showing an increase of 0.8 % over previous Census.
• The Exotic/Crossbred and Indigenous/Non-descript Cattle population in the country is 50.42 million and 142.11 million respectively.
• The Indigenous/Non-descript female cattle population has increased by 10% in 2019 as compared to previous census.
• The total poultry in the country is 851.81 million in 2019, registered an increase of 16.8% in the total poultry.
• The population of the total Exotic/Crossbred Cattle has increased by 26.9 % in 2019 as compared to previous census.

About Livestock Census

• It is conducted Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying.
• The census has been conducted in the country periodically since 1919-20. It is conducted quinquennially (every five years). The 19th Census was conducted in 2012.
• The Livestock Census covers all domesticated animals and its headcounts.
• The major thrust given to 20th Livestock Census is the collection of data through tablets computers.

Additional Information:

Rashtriya Gokul Mission:

• Rashritya Gokul Mission was launched in 2014. It seeks development and conservation of indigenous bovine (cattle) breeds (through selection of high genetic merit bulls for breeding).
• The mission is under Department of Animal Husbandry and dairying, Ministry of Agriculture and Framers Welfare.
• Objectives:
  • To undertake breed improvement programme for indigenous cattle breeds so as to improve their genetic makeup and increase the stock.
  • To enhance milk production and productivity of indigenous bovine breeds.
  • To upgrade nondescript cattle using elite indigenous breeds like Gir, Sahiwal, Rathi, Red Sindhi etc.
  • Arrange quality Artificial Insemination services at farmers’ doorstep
• Gokul Grams:  Integrated Indigenous Cattle development Centres – “Gokul Grams”- are established under mission with the aim of conservation and development of indigenous bovine breeds in a scientific and holistic manner.

Rashtriya Kamdhenu Aayog:

• It has been established by the government in 2019. It seeks for conservation protection and development of cows and their progeny.
• It is high powered permanent body. At present it functions as a part of Rashtriya Gokul Mission under Department of Animal Husbandry and dairying, Ministry of Agriculture and Framers Welfare.
• Functions:
  • provide the policy framework and direction to the cow conservation and development programmes and
  • Ensure proper implementation of laws with respect to the welfare of cows.