The 21st Livestock Census report, which was anticipated to be released late last year, is now expected to be made public after June due to technical glitches encountered during data compilation and validation, according to an official.
An official stated that data validation is currently underway. "This is expected to be completed by June. The report can be released after June," the official said.
What is the Livestock Census?
The Livestock Census is a comprehensive enumeration of domesticated livestock species and poultry birds. It provides species-wise and state/UT-wise livestock population, including cattle (cows), buffaloes, sheep, and goats. This exercise is conducted every five years and serves as a crucial tool for the government to obtain updated data on livestock population, aiding policymakers in addressing issues such as disease control, breed improvement, and rural livelihoods.
Details of the 21st Census
The 21st Livestock Census exercise was launched on October 25, 2024. It covered over 30 crore households across all states and Union Territories by February last year. The exercise also included nomadic communities and pastoralists, ensuring that the diversity of India's livestock practices was captured.
For the first time, the entire census was conducted digitally, utilizing mobile apps and web applications to streamline data collection and processing. However, technical glitches in data compilation and validation have caused delays in finalizing the report.
Once released, the census data will provide valuable insights into the livestock sector, which plays a vital role in India's agricultural economy and rural livelihoods. The delay underscores the challenges of large-scale digital data collection, but officials are optimistic about completing the process by June.
