Workshop on 21st Livestock Census Pilot Survey Held in Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh

Ziro: A workshop cum training session for the Pilot Survey of the 21st Livestock Census was held today under the chairpersonship of Jagat Hazarika, Advisor Animal Husbandry Statistics Division, Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD), Government of India. The event saw participation from senior officers of States and Union Territories, as well as members of the Technical Committee for the 21st Livestock Census.

Alka Upadhyaya, Secretary, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, addressed the workshop through a message, emphasizing the significance of the upcoming census. The 21st Livestock Census, scheduled for September to December 2024, will be conducted with the active participation of all States and Union Territories. Utilizing mobile technology for data collection, the census will ensure online data transmission, covering all villages and urban wards.

The census will enumerate various species of animals, including cattle, buffalo, mithun, yak, sheep, goat, pig, horse, pony, mule, donkey, camel, dog, rabbit, and elephant, as well as poultry birds such as fowl, duck, and other poultry species. The enumeration will be conducted breed-wise, noting details like age and sex for each species. This comprehensive data collection will be vital for planning and implementing various livestock sector programs and will contribute to the National Indicator Framework (NIF) for Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).

ICAR-National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR) presented the latest state-wise breed list for various species and demonstrated techniques for breed identification in the field. This breed-wise data will be instrumental in understanding and preserving India’s rich animal genetic diversity.

The workshop highlighted the importance of the livestock census data in shaping effective livestock policies and programs. The statistics produced from the census will aid in the targeted implementation of initiatives aimed at improving the livestock sector.