Centre takes stock of livestock census in Baramulla district

VP Singh, Director, AHS Division of the Central Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries, convened an interactive meeting to assess and monitor the progress of the 21st Livestock Census in the Valley’s Baramulla district.

An official statement said the meeting provided a detailed review of the existing challenges and obstacles in conduct of the census in the district.

Baramulla District Nodal Officer GA Lone apprised the chair about the progress and status of the census.

Lone also assured the Centre that strict directives had been given to ensure that correct data was uploaded in real time while addressing any backlogs comprehensively, said the statement.

VP Singh emphasised the importance to getting good quality census data which forms the baseline for formulation and implementation of various schemes.

He also focused on the census concerning the pastoralist community.

“It was reported that the data pertaining to the community had already been compiled and the Government of India was formulating policies aimed at enhancing welfare and healthcare for their livestock,” the statement said.

Migratory livestock will be prioritised in upcoming policies from the Central government.

The Director, AHS Division, also emphasised the importance of timely collection of census data by the field staff.

He stressed upon all nodal officers to remain vigilant during the census period and ensure periodic review of census operations in their respective districts.

The statement said it was important to note that a livestock census was conducted every five years across the country. Currently, the 21st Livestock Census is underway in all 20 districts of Jammu & Kashmir.