Centre reviews 21st Livestock Census in Baramulla

Srinagar, Jan 9: VP Singh, Director of the Animal Husbandry Statistics Division, Department of Animal Husbandry Dairying & Fisheries, Government of India, convened an interactive meeting to assess and monitor the progress of the 21st Livestock Census in Baramulla District of Jammu & Kashmir. This meeting provided a detailed review of the existing challenges and obstacles in conducting the census in the district.

During the session, District Nodal Officer of Baramulla, Dr GA Lone, updated the chair on the progress and status of the census. Dr Lone assured that strict directives have been issued to ensure correct data is uploaded in real-time while addressing any outstanding backlogs comprehensively.

VP Singh emphasised the importance of obtaining quality census data, which serves as the baseline for the formulation and implementation of various schemes. He also highlighted the significance of the livestock census concerning the pastoralist community, noting that data pertaining to this community has already been compiled. The Government of India is in the process of formulating policies aimed at enhancing welfare and healthcare for their livestock. Furthermore, migratory livestock will be prioritized in upcoming policies from the Central Government. Ramesh Bhatti, Project Coordinator for the Centre for Pastoralism, and Zahid Parwaz Choudhary, a pastoralist, actively participated in the discussion.

The Director of the AHS Division also underscored the importance of timely data collection by field staff. He urged all DNOs to remain vigilant during the census period and conduct periodic reviews of census operations in their respective districts.

It is important to note that a livestock census is conducted every five years across the country, overseen by the Government of India. Currently, the 21st Livestock Census is underway in all 20 districts of Jammu & Kashmir. The meeting included participation from officials from the Animal Husbandry Department in Baramulla as well as supervisors and enumerators from the district. The session concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Shabir Ahmad Mir, Livestock Development Officer of Baramulla.