21st Livestock Census to use mobile app for enumeration

Mangaluru: The 21st Livestock Census in the country is set to begin on September 1. This time, instead of recording data in books, census officials will use smartphones to visit households and collect information.

The Central Department of Animal Husbandry has developed a separate app called the “21st Livestock Census” and has provided training on how to use it.

Earlier, officials had to fill out 200 columns in a book, but now, information can be entered quickly through the app. Even in areas without a network, the app is designed to sync the data with the central server once it enters a network zone.

The State Department of Animal Husbandry is also gearing up for this massive four-month survey. Training for master trainers has been completed, and census workers are being trained in phases.

Once Every Five Years

Livestock censuses have been conducted since 1919, with 20 censuses taking place over the past 100 years. This will be the 21st Livestock Census.

In Karnataka, census workers will visit 1.46 crore households to collect information. A total of 3,357 census workers and 730 supervisors will be involved. While the census workers will visit households, supervisors and nodal officers will oversee the process.

How Will the Census Be Conducted?

The census will gather data on the breeds, age, and ownership of livestock. It will also include information on how many farmers, especially from different communities, are involved in livestock farming. The primary purpose is to help governments plan their future policies. The data will be used to formulate policies and programs for farmers and the livestock sector.

What Animals Will Be Counted?

The census will include data on cattle, bulls, buffaloes, cows, goats, sheep, poultry, dogs, horses, emus, and ostriches. Information on native cattle and dogs will also be collected. Data will also be gathered on elephants and cattle kept in temples and Goshalas.

If a household has more than 10 cattle, over 1,000 poultry, or more than 50 goats, it will be classified as a farm, and the information will be recorded accordingly.

“Census workers will visit each household, and this data will help in planning policies beneficial to farmers and livestock owners. Therefore, the public is urged to cooperate and provide accurate information to the census workers,” said Dr. Arun Kumar Shetty, Deputy Director, Department of Animal Husbandry, Mangaluru.

Dakshina Kannada District

• Households: 4,54,000
• Census Workers: 215
• Supervisors: 28

Udupi

• Households: 2,61,000
• Census Workers: 3,357
• Supervisors: 730

Translated version of Kannada article by Venuvinod K S