New Delhi, Union Minister for Fisheries, Livestock and Dairying Rajiv Ranjan Singh on Tuesday highlighted the need for proper planning for conducting the 21st Livestock Census and said the data collected will play an important role in addressing the challenges of the sector.

The minister inaugurated a workshop to strategize and empower states and Union Territories (UTs) for the preparation of the 21st Livestock Census, according to an official statement.

Ministers of State for Fisheries, Livestock and Dairying, S. P. Singh Baghel and George Kurian were also present.

At the workshop, the Union Minister also launched the mobile application developed for the 21st livestock data collection.

According to the statement, Singh underlined the importance of the livestock sector to India's economy and food security.

He called for “meticulous planning and execution of the census” and highlighted that the “data collected would play a crucial role in shaping future initiatives and responding to sector challenges.”

Singh said the workshop aims to ensure a coordinated and efficient approach for the next census scheduled for September-December 2024.

Baghel highlighted the need for comprehensive training and capacity building at the grassroots level.

He acknowledged the efforts of the department in organizing such a strategic workshop and encouraged the participants to actively participate in the training sessions to enhance their understanding and capabilities.

Kurian emphasized the integration of sustainable practices within the livestock sector.

He noted that census data would contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals National Indicator Framework, thereby aligning with broader national and global sustainability goals.

Alka Upadhyaya, Secretary, Department of Livestock and Dairying, highlighted the importance of this workshop. She underscored the department's commitment to leveraging technology for accurate and efficient data collection.

She highlighted the collective responsibility of all stakeholders to ensure the success of the 21st Livestock Census, which will play a pivotal role in shaping future policies and programs of the livestock sector.

The secretary urged them to take advantage of the latest technologies to ensure the success of the census.

The workshop included detailed sessions on the methodologies and guidelines for the 21st Livestock Census, training on the mobile application and dashboard software, and an open house to address queries and concerns.

The Department of Livestock and Dairying conducted a comprehensive workshop to strategize and empower states and Union Territories (UTs) for the preparation of the 21st Livestock Census.

The workshop featured a series of sessions beginning with a brief overview of the 21st Livestock Census by the Livestock Statistics Division, followed by a detailed presentation by ICAR-National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR) on the details of the breeds of the species to be covered. in the census. The importance of accurate breed identification was emphasized, which is crucial for producing accurate statistics used in various livestock sector programs and for the National Indicator Framework (NIF) of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).