21st Livestock Census 2024 - Current Affairs UPSC

The Union Minister, Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, recently launched the 21st Livestock Census (LC), which will be conducted from October 2024 to February 2025.

This comprehensive count will employ one lakh veterinary staff and utilize digital innovations for enhanced accuracy.
For the first time, the census will capture data on 219 Indigenous breeds across 16 species, recognized by ICAR-National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR) incorporating advanced mobile applications and real-time monitoring through web-based dashboards to ensure precise documentation.
The survey will cover 15 major species (Excluding poultry) These include cattle, buffalo, Mithun, yak, sheep, goat, pig, camel, horse, ponies, mule, donkey, dog, rabbit, and elephant.

The headcount of poultry birds like fowl, duck, turkey, geese, quail, guineafowls, ostrich, and emu will also be taken by visiting each household, enterprise and institution.
The census is expected to cover 30 crore households in India.
For the first time, the census will independently track pastoralists’ livestock holdings and gather information on gender roles in animal husbandry, offering crucial insights into rural demographics

The census is a quinquennial headcount (conducted every five years) that documents both domesticated and stray animals, providing crucial data about India’s animal population since 1919.
The Census is conducted by the Ministry of Animal Husbandry and Dairying in collaboration with State/UT governments.
The survey captures detailed information including species classification, breed types, age distribution, gender ratio, and ownership details across the country.

It will be fully digitized, enhancing online data collection through a mobile app and a digital dashboard for monitoring.
It will gather new information for the first time, including data on pastoralists’ contributions and socio-economic status, as well as details about households’ income sources and the gender of stray cattle.

To calculate the Gross Value Added (GVA) contribution of the livestock sector, which currently accounts for 30% of agricultural GVA and 4.7% of overall economic GVA.
To facilitate policy formulation and implementation for sustainable growth in the animal husbandry sector, ensuring effective development of rural employment opportunities.
To track progress towards UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 2 (Zero Hunger) and Target 2.5, which focuses on maintaining genetic diversity in food and nutrition
To monitor the status of local livestock breeds at risk of extinction (Indicator 2.5.2-The percentage of local livestock breeds that are at risk of extinction), helping preserve India’s indigenous animal genetic resources.
To provide comprehensive data for planning and implementing various government initiatives and schemes related to animal welfare, breed improvement, and disease control in the livestock sector.