Panaji: The census is conducted across the country once every five years. It is the main source of livestock data, which provides details about the number, breed, age, and sex of various species of animals across the state and country at large, said the Minister for Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, Nilkanth Halarnkar, after launching the 21st Livestock Census in his chamber at Secretariat, Porvorim today.
The Minister informed that the data collected during this livestock census would be useful for proper planning and formulation of programs meant for improvement in the livestock sector in the state and country. So far, 20 Livestock Censuses have been conducted in association with all state/Union Territory governments. This will be the 21st Livestock Census and will be conducted this year, he informed.
Halarnkar, highlighting key areas that will be focused on in this 21st Livestock Census, said sixteen species and 221 breeds of livestock, including poultry birds, will be enumerated. Apart from this, cattle, buffaloes, camels, goats, pigs, donkeys, sheep, mules, horses, dogs, rabbits, yaks, elephants, ponies, poultry fowls, ducks, etc.
About the Livestock Census in Goa, Halarnkar said that the 21st Livestock Census is being launched today. The officials of the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services will visit each household in the state for a detailed enumeration of owned dogs and livestock available at each household, non-household enterprises, goshallas, military, aviation areas, etc. across the state, he added.
The Minister said that major initiatives will be taken by the state of Goa regarding rising dog bite cases involving certain ferocious breeds and added that the government has decided to collect breed-wise data on these dogs during the upcoming 21st National Livestock Census. The National Livestock Census involves enumeration of dogs, pets as well as strays, but does not involve a breed-wise survey of dogs. Therefore, the enumerators will enlist the number of dogs of various breeds available with pet owners in the state separately. Such breed-wise data will be helpful in identifying the number of breeds present in the state and the total number of dogs of a particular breed in the state, which may be useful for strategic planning to ban certain breeds of dogs, he informed.
Halarnkar further said that the livestock census has important aspects such as finance, nutrition, disease control, and surveillance of animal health to understand breed dynamics. He appealed to all citizens to welcome the enumerators/Animal Husbandry officials at their households. Citizens can check the identity of the enumerators and then share detailed information about the livestock in their possession.
Director, Department of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services, Dr. Nitin Naik, State Nodal Officer, Dr. Rajesh Keni, Deputy Director Planning, Dr. Prakash Korgaokar, Deputy Director Dep. Gynecology, Dr. Shirishkumar Betkekar, and others were present on the occasion.
