Livestock Census and its purpose

Source: This post on Livestock Census and its purpose has been created based on the article “What is the livestock census and why is it conducted?” published in Indian Express on 28th October 2024.

Why in news?

Recently, Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying launched the 21st Livestock Census in New Delhi.

About the Livestock Census

1. The Livestock Census is a large-scale survey conducted every five years to record the count and demographics of domesticated, stray, and poultry animals across India.

2. It was initiated in 1919. The census has reached its 21st edition, with data collection scheduled between October 2024 and February 2025.

Objectives of the Livestock Census

1. Economic Insight: The census data will help measure the Gross Value Added (GVA) of the livestock sector, which contributes around 4.7% to the national GVA and about 30% to the agricultural sector’s GVA.

2. Policy Development: Insights from the census support the development and refinement of policies related to animal husbandry and sustainable growth of India’s livestock sector.

3. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): The census provides crucial data for tracking UN SDGs, particularly Goal 2 (Zero Hunger) that contributes to food and nutrition security and Target 2.5 which aims to maintain genetic diversity within food production.

Scope of the 21st Livestock Census

1. Enumerator Task Force: About 87,000 enumerators will cover approximately 30 crore households and establishments, including residential areas, gaushalas (cattle shelters), dairy farms, poultry farms, veterinary institutions, and defense establishments.

2. Animal Categories: The census will account for 16 animal species, such as: Cattle, buffalo, mithun, yak, sheep, goats, pigs, camels, horses, ponies, mules, donkeys, dogs, rabbits, and elephants.

Poultry types including fowl, chicken, duck, turkey, geese, quail, ostrich, and emu.

3. Breed Information: Information on 219 indigenous animal breeds, as recognized by ICAR-NBAGR, will be gathered.

New Features in the 21st Livestock Census

1. Digital Collection: Data collection will be digital, utilizing a mobile app, a digital dashboard for monitoring, geolocation data capture, and software for report generation.

2. Enhanced Data Points:

i) Pastoral Data: First-time data on pastoral animals and pastoralists, including their socioeconomic status and livestock holdings.

ii) Income Source: Detailed information on households with livestock as a primary income source.

iii) Stray Animal Details: Inclusion of gender data for stray cattle.

Key Findings from the 2019 Livestock Census

1. Total Livestock Population: 535.78 million animals.

2. Major Populations:

UPSC Syllabus: Indian Economy