Minister Khuddian kicks off 21st livestock census in state

Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development and Fisheries Minister Gurmeet Singh Khuddian kicked off the 21st livestock census in the state from here today.

The minister said 16 species of animals and poultry would be counted during the census. “For the first time, the census will also take into account the role of women in animal husbandry. This is for the second time, after 2019, that the census will be conducted digitally, using a mobile app for the collection of data regarding animals, including their breed and other characteristics. The department has designated one state nodal officer, five zonal nodal officers, 23 district nodal officers, 392 supervisors and 1,962 enumerators to accomplish the extensive field survey. The enumerators will visit around 65 lakh households to record the number of animals, according to their breed and other characteristics,” he said.

This would be the first time that pet dogs would also be counted according to their breeds. Cattle in gaushalas and those reared by nomadic tribes would be counted separately, he added.

“During the census, information about farmers’ dependence on the livestock sector will be collected, along with data on poultry and animal husbandry implements. The census is expected to be completed by February next year,” he said.