21st Livestock Census

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Context:

Recently, the Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying launched the 21st Livestock Census in New Delhi.

Relevance:

GS III: Agriculture

Conducted every five years, the Livestock Census systematically counts domesticated animals, poultry, and stray animals across the country.
Information gathered includes details about species, breed, age, sex, and ownership of the animals.
Since its inception in 1919, there have been 20 censuses, with the latest conducted in 2019.
The 21st census is scheduled from October 2024 to February 2025.

The upcoming census, directed by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, will cover sixteen animal species including cattle, buffalo, sheep, goats, pigs, camels, and more exotic animals like yaks, rabbits, and elephants.
Data will be collected on 219 indigenous breeds recognized by the ICAR-National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR).
Extends to various types of poultry such as chickens, ducks, turkeys, and even less common birds like ostriches and emus.

Digital Implementation: Continuing the digital approach from 2019, the census will utilize online data collection through a dedicated mobile application and digital dashboards for monitoring.
Geolocation Features: Data collection sites will be geo-tagged to enhance the accuracy and verifiability of the information gathered.
Report Generation: Livestock census reports will be generated using specialized software, ensuring efficiency and accessibility.

For the first time, the census will explore the contributions of pastoralists to the livestock industry, examining their socio-economic conditions and livestock holdings.
The census aims to provide a more detailed understanding of the economic impact of livestock on households and will include data on the gender distribution of stray cattle, offering deeper insights into the sector.

-Source: Indian Express