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India to measure its pastoral cattle and identify pastoral communities for the first time in the 21st cattle Census. 

About Livestock Census

The livestock census is a count of domesticated animals, poultry, and stray animals in India, as well as the species, breed, age, gender, and ownership status of the animals.

It takes place every five years, in both rural and urban settings. The First Census was started in 1919.

The upcoming 21st census will take place between October 2024 and February 2025 under the Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairy. 

The 21st Census will count 16 key animal species, such as cattle, buffalo, Mithun, yak, sheep, goat, pig, camel, horse, ponies, mule, donkey, dog, rabbit, and elephant.

The census will include 219 indigenous breeds recognized by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research-National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (ICAR-NBAGR).

What makes the 21st livestock Census special?

The 21st livestock census is significant because it is the first time India to count pastoral livestock and identify pastoral communities. 

The census will help to recognize the importance of pastoralism, a sustainable and ancient livestock livelihood practice. It will also provide official information about the pastoral ecosystem.

Why pastoral census important for India?

India has a large population of pastoralists who practice transhumanism, which involves moving livestock across regions in search of better pastures. 

There are approximately 20 million pastoralists in India, and the 21st census will provide official data about them, which will allow the government to recognize and understand the role of pastoralism in the economy.

How does pastoralism contribute to India’s economy and environment?

Pastoralism is one of the oldest and most sustainable food systems contributing to the nation's GDP through the production of milk, meat, and other livestock products. 

It also benefits the environment since herbivore grazing of pastures promotes plant regeneration, making it one of the largest carbon sinks.

What measures are being taken to ensure maximum coverage in the pastoral census?

Pastoral systems depend on cattle mobility, listing them at the household level is difficult. To address this issue, the government has partnered with civil society groups (CSOs), pastoral leaders, and youth. 

The government has also classified a pastoralist as someone who takes their animals beyond the village for at least a month and depends on community assets. 

How will the pastoral census benefit pastoralists?

It will provide a credible estimate of the level of pastoralism in the country.

It will allow the government to include pastoral households in policy schemes and health programs.

It will help in designing policy interventions and public investments to target communities dependent on pastoral production methods. 

 Through this census, the government will be able to start working on improving traditional pastoral routes, taking action against encroachments, and providing facilities such as resting areas, water structures, and healthcare along these pasture routes.

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Source: 

Down to Earth