21st Livestock Census in India

Context: The Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying (MoFAHD) has launched the 21st Livestock Census. This census, which has been conducted every five years since its inception in 1919-20, plays a key role in understanding the livestock landscape in India.

Key Aspects of the Livestock Census

• Last Census Innovations: The 20th Census introduced mobile technology for data collection.
• Responsible Agency: Conducted by the Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying & Fisheries under MoFAHD.
• Scope: The census provides a headcount of domesticated animals, poultry, and stray animals across India. Data is categorized by species, breed, age, sex, and ownership and is also reported separately for urban and rural areas.

New Data Points in the 21st Livestock Census

• Pastoral Animals and Contributions: Information on pastoral animals, the socio-economic contributions of pastoralists, and their livestock holdings.
• Income Dependency: The census will record the percentage of households that rely primarily on the livestock sector for income.
• Gender Data on Stray Cattle: Data will now include the gender of stray cattle, enhancing understanding of stray animal demographics.