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Livestock Census in India: A Comprehensive Overview


The Livestock Census in India is a critical tool for gathering data on domesticated animals, their breeds, and their roles in the economy. Conducted by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, the census is held every five years and provides essential insights into India’s livestock sector. Here’s a breakdown of what this extensive survey entails and how it impacts the country's economy and agricultural policies.

What is the Livestock Census All About?

The Livestock Census is a large-scale data collection effort conducted every five years, which counts the number of domesticated animals, poultry, and stray animals across India. The data includes information on species, breed, age, sex, and ownership, providing a detailed view of the country's animal resources. Initiated in 1919, India has completed 20 such censuses to date, with the 21st census scheduled for October 2024 to February 2025.

How is the Livestock Census Conducted?

Approximately 87,000 enumerators are set to visit each independent household, apartment, enterprise, and institution, such as gaushalas (cattle sheds), dairy farms, poultry farms, veterinary colleges, and defense establishments. This process, spanning five months, aims to cover around 30 crore households across India, collecting essential data that informs national policy and economic planning.

Which Animals Will Be Counted in the 21st Census?

The upcoming 21st Livestock Census will gather data on sixteen animal species, including:

• Cattle
• Buffalo
• Mithun
• Yak
• Sheep
• Goat
• Pig
• Camel
• Horse
• Ponies
• Mule
• Donkey
• Dog
• Rabbit
• Elephant

In total, 219 indigenous breeds of these species, recognized by the ICAR-National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR), will be enumerated. Additionally, poultry birds such as fowl, chicken, duck, turkey, geese, quail, ostrich, and emu will also be counted.

Objectives of the Livestock Census

The primary objective of the Livestock Census is to capture data on the population, breeds, and socio-economic role of animals across the country. This data provides valuable insights into India’s agricultural and economic landscape:

1. Economic Contribution: The livestock sector is vital for rural employment and contributes about 4.7% to India's Gross Value Added (GVA), while the agriculture sector overall contributes approximately 15%. Poultry and animal husbandry alone account for around 30% of the agricultural GVA, emphasizing the importance of this sector.
2. Policy Formulation and Implementation: The data from the census aids the government in devising policies to promote sustainable growth in the livestock sector. Union Minister Singh emphasized the census’s role in shaping policies to support the sector’s expansion and sustainability.
3. Tracking Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): The census will contribute to India’s progress towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, specifically Goal 2 (Zero Hunger) and Target 2.5 (genetic diversity in food). Indicator 2.5.2 of the SDGs tracks the percentage of local livestock breeds at risk of extinction, which the census data will help assess.

How Will the 21st Livestock Census Differ from Previous Ones?

The 21st Livestock Census will employ advanced digital tools, similar to the 2019 census. Key innovations include:

• Fully Digitised Process: Online data collection will be conducted through a mobile application, ensuring accuracy and efficiency. A digital dashboard will monitor data collection in real time, with each data point marked by location coordinates (latitude and longitude).
• Enhanced Data Points: New data points will capture the socio-economic status of pastoralists and their contributions to the livestock sector. The census will also document the proportion of households reliant on livestock for their primary income and gather gender-specific data on stray cattle.

What did the 2019 Livestock Census find?

535.78 million was the total livestock population. This included:

·         192.9 million cattle

·         148.88 million goats

·         109.85 million buffaloes

·         74.26 million sheep

·         9.06 million pigs

All other animals taken together contributed just 0.23% of the total livestock population in India.

Importance of the Livestock Census for India's Future

The comprehensive data provided by the Livestock Census holds significant implications for India’s rural economy and sustainable development goals. The data will guide resource allocation, help improve animal healthcare services, and support the development of livestock-based rural industries. The census will also help India ensure food security, improve livelihoods, and sustain genetic diversity within the livestock sector.

In conclusion, the 21st Livestock Census marks an important step in modernizing and refining the process of data collection in India’s animal husbandry sector. The insights it will offer are invaluable for policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders, fostering informed decisions that will drive growth, sustainability, and prosperity in rural India.