Livestock census begins in Tripura

Agartala: The 21st Livestock Census, spanning four months, commenced in Tripura on Saturday, aligning with the nationwide door-to-door survey on livestock, as stated by Dr Neeraj Kumar Chanchal, director of animal resource development department. The census, launched by Union minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh, is set to continue until Feb next year with a budget allocation of Rs 200 crore.The primary objective of the census is to gather extensive data on various livestock species, facilitating policy formulation for animal health security and sector growth. The previous Livestock Census, conducted in 2019, covered 16 animal species. Dr Chanchal said, “This will be the first livestock census in the country in which the data of the livestock held by pastoralists will be available independently. The census will also make available information on ‘gender of the person majorly involved in livestock rearing’.”Dr Chanchal highlighted the significant contribution of the livestock sector to the social and economic upliftment of society. He noted the remarkable growth witnessed in the sector over the past nine years, attributed to the implementation of various departmental schemes. The National Animal Disease Control Program (NADCP) aims to control and eradicate Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and Brucellosis from the country, with 90.87 crore FMD vaccines and 4.23 crore Brucellosis vaccines administered thus far. The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying is also planning the establishment of FMD Disease Free Zones in nine states.Furthermore, a new initiative called the Pandemic Fund has been introduced to enhance disease surveillance, including genomic and environmental surveillance for early warning, laboratory infrastructure development, and cross-border collaboration.

Fresh livestock census operation launched in India, data on domesticated animals and birds to be out in 2025

The Centre launches India's 21st Livestock Census, involving 30 crore households and utilizing digital technology. It covers detailed data on livestock and poultry, including pastoralist and nomadic communities. The operation aims to enhance animal health and productivity, with a $25 million Pandemic Fund Project to boost animal health security, disease prevention, and laboratory infrastructure.

Two children die as livestock feed bags fall on them in Krishnagiri

In Krishnagiri, two young daughters of a Bihar guest worker tragically died after sacks of livestock feed fell on them while playing. The incident occurred on Friday at a poultry farm in Gopasamudram village where their father was employed. Despite swift efforts to rush them to the hospital, both girls were pronounced dead upon arrival.

Experts demand climate data in coming census

Millions of climate migrants in India face non-recognition in the upcoming census, sparking concerns among experts. The Office of the Registrar General has indicated the absence of climate change data in the census. Experts stress the need for including climate-related questions to aid policy-making. The digital census lacks methodologies to track environmental impacts and climate migration.