Livestock census in Himachal from September to December, says minister

Shimla, August 21

The 21st Livestock Census will be conducted in the state from September to December this year in every household and gaushala so that an accurate data and detailed information of livestock can be made available. Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Minister Chander Kumar said this during a one-day training on software and regional specific breeds for all district nodal officers based on the state level 21st Livestock Census organised here under the joint aegis of the Union Ministry of Animal Husbandry and Dairying and the state’s Department of Animal Husbandry.

He said that the implementation of effective policies and schemes for development in this area can be ensured only when correct data related to livestock was available.

“In the current era, somewhere our dependence on livestock has reduced. With the census programme, we can move forward in this direction so that the income of the people can increase,” he said.

“Himachal being a hilly state, many types of challenges and obstacles can be faced to reach remote areas for livestock census, but the department will overcome all these challenges and obstacles and ensure livestock census,” he added.

To ensure correct collection of livestock census data, awareness will be brought at the panchayat level by organising local communities and for their active participation. Digital tools and mobile apps have been incorporated for data collection to enhance efficiency and accuracy.

Secretary, Animal Husbandry, Rakesh Kanwar said that the main objective of livestock was to collect correct data on the number, species and breed of livestock for policy making.

Breed-wise data to be collected

• The livestock census will include cattle, buffalo, sheep, goat, pig, horse, pony, mule, donkey, camel and other livestock, including poultry
• At the same time, the data will be collected on breed-wise indigenous and foreign breeds
• The census will be conducted in the revenue villages of all 12 districts