Recently, India is set to conduct its 21st Livestock Census, important exercise aimed at assessing the population and status of domesticated animals across the country. This census, which occurs every five years, is essential for understanding the livestock sector’s contribution to the economy and sustainable development. The enumeration process will run from October 2024 to February 2025, involving around 87,000 enumerators who will gather data from approximately 30 crore households.
Historical Background
The Livestock Census in India has a rich history, with the first census conducted in 1919. Over the years, a total of 20 censuses have been completed, with the last one in 2019 recording a livestock population of 535.78 million. The data collected has been instrumental in shaping policies and strategies for the livestock sector, which plays an important role in rural employment and agricultural productivity.
Scope of the Census
The 21st Livestock Census will cover a wide range of domesticated animals, including 16 species such as cattle, buffalo, sheep, goats, and poultry. This census is particularly noteworthy as it will document 219 indigenous breeds recognised by the ICAR-National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources. Additionally, it will include data on pastoral animals and the socio-economic status of pastoralists, marking an important expansion in the scope of data collection.
Objectives and Economic Impact
The primary objective of the Livestock Census is to gather accurate data to estimate the Gross Value Added (GVA) from the livestock sector, which currently contributes around 4.7% to India’s overall economy. This data is vital for formulating policies that ensure sustainable growth and enhance productivity within the sector. The census also aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in relation to food security and genetic diversity in livestock.
Technological Advancements
The upcoming census will leverage digital technology to streamline data collection and analysis. Building on the success of the 2019 census, this exercise will utilise mobile applications for online data collection, a digital dashboard for monitoring, and GPS technology to capture the precise locations of data collection. Such advancements will facilitate the generation of timely and accurate reports, enhancing the overall efficiency of the census process.
Insights from Previous Censuses
The 2019 Livestock Census revealed intriguing insights, including a total livestock population of 535.78 million, with cattle and goats being the most populous. About these figures is crucial for stakeholders in the livestock sector, including farmers, policymakers, and researchers, as they provide a baseline for assessing growth and development in subsequent years.
Questions for UPSC:
- Discuss the significance of the Livestock Census in shaping agricultural policies in India.
- What are the technological advancements incorporated in the 21st Livestock Census compared to previous censuses?
- How does the livestock sector contribute to the Gross Value Added (GVA) in India?
- Explain the relationship between the Livestock Census and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
- What were the key findings of the 2019 Livestock Census, and how do they inform current livestock policies?
