Bhubaneswar Hosts Regional Training Programme for 21st Livestock Census

Bhubaneswar: The regional training programme for the upcoming 21st Livestock Census was held in Bhubaneswar under the auspices of the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India, in collaboration with the Fisheries and Animal Resources Development (ARD) Department, Government of Odisha. The event, attended by approximately 200 participants from Odisha, West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh, aimed to prepare for the livestock census scheduled from September to December 2024.

Prof. SP Singh Baghel, Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, highlighted the importance of the livestock census for the economic development of livestock farmers and the national economy. Emphasizing its role in planning, disease control, and breeding activities within the animal husbandry sector, Prof. Baghel stated, “The livestock census is integral to Animal Resources Development in the country and crucial for the growth of our national economy.”

The event was also graced by Gokulananda Mallik, Minister of Fisheries, ARD, and MSME, who expressed his pleasure at Puri being chosen as the venue. He underscored the census’s role in determining the number of animals in a state or district, which is vital for planning livestock disease control measures, disease surveillance, and livestock breeding. “The census helps in nutritional interventions to enhance production. Accurate statistics on various livestock products can be ascertained from the data collected,” Mallik noted.

Participants received training on the use of mobile apps and dashboards, as well as breed recognition, to familiarize them with the software and the intricacies of breed identification. Software professionals from the Government of India and scientists from the National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR) led the training sessions. The nodal officers, trained during the event, will serve as master trainers for their respective states and districts.

Suresh Kumar Vashishth, Principal Secretary of Fisheries and Animal Resources Development (FARD), Government of Odisha, outlined the paramount importance of the livestock census for the country’s growth.