India launches 21st livestock census and $25 million pandemic fund for animal health

Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh on Friday announced the launch of the 21st Livestock Census, set to be conducted from October 2024 to February 2025 at a cost of ₹200 crore (approximately $25 million). The census aims to collect comprehensive data on livestock in India, which will aid in formulating effective policies for animal health security and fostering growth in the sector.

Singh, who oversees the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, emphasized the importance of conducting the census with integrity and diligence. He instructed ministry officials to closely monitor the operation, which will involve around 100,000 field officials, primarily veterinarians and para-veterinarians, tasked with enumerating livestock.

"This census will help the government frame the right policies for the growth of this sector and ensure animal health security, aiding in disease control and breed improvement," Singh stated. He pointed out that despite being the world's largest milk producer, India has struggled to export milk and dairy products on a large scale.

In addition to the census, Singh unveiled a $25 million 'Pandemic Fund Project' aimed at enhancing animal health security in India, focusing on pandemic preparedness and response. Amitabh Kant, Sherpa to the G20, highlighted the critical connection between animal health and human health, noting that many zoonotic diseases originate in animals.

The census will gather data on 15 species of livestock, including cattle, buffalo, sheep, goats, and more, as well as poultry species such as ducks and quails. This effort is part of a broader initiative to support rural livelihoods, food security, and poverty alleviation in India.

The Livestock Census, conducted every five years since 1919, serves as a foundational tool for policy formulation in the animal husbandry sector. The latest census will leverage mobile technology to improve data collection accuracy and efficiency, covering over 300 million households across all states and Union Territories.

Ministers of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, S P Singh Baghel and George Kurian, also attended the event. Baghel noted that the census is crucial for national strategies in food security and rural development, while Kurian emphasised its role in improving livelihoods and animal health in rural areas.