Union Minister Launches 21st Livestock Census Operation

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Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh will launch the 21st Livestock Census Operation, involving 100,000 officials, to enhance India’s animal health infrastructure and survey various livestock species.

Union Minister Launches 21st Livestock Census Operation

About the Launch of 21st Livestock Census Operation:

  • Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh will officially launch the 21st Livestock Census Operation in New Delhi .
  • The census is set to run until February of next year and will be conducted in collaboration with various States and Union Territories.
  • Approximately 100,000 field officials, primarily veterinarians and para-veterinarians, will participate in the enumeration process.

Objective of the Census:

  • The primary goal of the livestock census is to strengthen India’s animal health infrastructure.
  • By collecting accurate data on livestock, the initiative aims to improve planning and policy formulation related to animal husbandry and welfare.

Species Covered in the Census

  • The census will include a comprehensive survey of 15 livestock species: cattle, buffalo, mithuns, yaks, sheep, goats, pigs, horses, mules, donkeys, dogs, rabbits, and elephants.
  • In addition to livestock, the census will also account for the headcount of poultry birds, ensuring a thorough assessment of the nation’s livestock resources.
  • The gathered data will play a crucial role in enhancing the management and health of animal populations across the country.

About Livestock Census and Population in India:

  • Census History: A livestock census has been conducted every 5 years since
  • 20th Census (2019): Total livestock population in India is78 million.
  • Bovine Population: The total bovine population (cattle, buffalo, mithun, and yak) is 302.79 million.
  • National Livestock Mission (NLM): Launched in 2014-15, it focuses on livestock development through three sub-missions:
  • Breed Development: Enhancing livestock and poultry breeds.
  • Feed & Fodder Development: Improving quality and availability of feed.
  • Innovation & Extension: Promoting innovative practices and extension services.

Government Schemes Related to Livestock Sector:

  • Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF):
    Provides 3% interest subvention and 25% credit guarantee for borrowers.
  • National Livestock Mission (NLM):
    Restructured for 2021-26, focusing on entrepreneurship and breed improvement in poultry, sheep, goats, and pigs.

Livestock Health and Disease

  • Control (LH&DC) Scheme:
    Supports states in preventing and controlling animal diseases through vaccination.
  • National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP):
    Targets control of Foot & Mouth Disease and Brucellosis via comprehensive vaccination efforts.

Sources Referred:

PIB, The Hindu, Indian Express, Hindustan Times