The Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh, launched the 21st Livestock Census on October 25, 2024, at an event in New Delhi. This nationwide initiative aims to collect detailed data on India’s livestock population, supporting policy-making and growth in the sector.
The census will be conducted from October 2024 to February 2025, covering both rural and urban areas. Additionally, the government introduced a $25 million Pandemic Fund Project to enhance animal health infrastructure, reflecting a broader commitment to improving livestock management.
Key Features of the 21st Livestock Census
- Digital Data Collection: This census will be conducted digitally, ensuring accurate and efficient data gathering via mobile devices.
- Collaborative Effort: The census is carried out by the Union Ministry in collaboration with state and Union Territory departments.
- Focus on Indigenous Breeds: Data will cover 219 indigenous breeds across 16 species, including cattle, buffalo, and poultry.
- Special Inclusion: For the first time, data on livestock owned by pastoralists will be independently recorded.
- Comprehensive Coverage: The census will include all households, enterprises, institutions, and even defense and paramilitary establishments.
Historical Background and Process
Since its inception in 1919, the Livestock Census has been held every five years. This is the 21st edition, reflecting a long-standing tradition of collecting data to shape effective policies for animal husbandry. The current census will use approximately 1 lakh veterinarians and para-veterinarians to conduct door-to-door surveys across India.
Funding and Support
The 21st Livestock Census is fully funded by the central government, with a total budget of ₹200 crore. This comprehensive exercise will help identify the livestock population, breed diversity, and other crucial details, aiding better planning and resource allocation.
Scope of the Census
| Key Information | Details |
| Launch Date | October 25, 2024 |
| Conducted By | Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying |
| Duration | October 2024 – February 2025 |
| Total Outlay | ₹200 crore |
| Species Covered | 15 livestock species, including cattle, buffalo, sheep, goat, and poultry |
| New Initiative | $25 million Pandemic Fund Project |
21st Livestock Census- Summary
- The Union Minister launched the 21st Livestock Census in New Delhi on October 25, 2024.
- This census, conducted digitally, aims to collect detailed data on livestock across India.
- Indigenous breeds, pastoralists’ livestock, and stray cattle will be documented.
- The central government has allocated ₹200 crore for this project.
- A $25 million Pandemic Fund Project was also launched to improve animal health infrastructure.
Also Read Latest Current Affairs 2024
The 21st Livestock Census was launched by Union Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh on October 25, 2024.
The total budget for the 21st Livestock Census is ₹200 crore, fully funded by the central government.
The Livestock Census is conducted every five years. The first census was held in 1919.
The Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, in collaboration with state and UT departments, conducts the census.
The census will cover 15 species of livestock, including cattle, buffalo, sheep, goat, and poultry.
The Pandemic Fund Project, launched alongside the census, is a $25 million initiative to strengthen animal health infrastructure across India.
The census helps in gathering comprehensive data on livestock, aiding in policy-making, program planning, and the overall growth of the animal husbandry sector.
