Goa has commenced the 21st Livestock Census today, a quinquennial exercise conducted nationwide to collect detailed data on livestock, including their breed, age, sex, and numbers. This initiative, organized by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, aims to provide vital insights for effective planning and improvement in the livestock sector.
The census, which began in 1919-1920, will now be carried out digitally using the ‘21st Livestock Census’ mobile app. Enumerators will visit households, non-household enterprises, goushalas, and other establishments across Goa to gather comprehensive information on 16 species and 221 breeds of livestock, including stray animals and poultry.
In a first for the state, breed-wise data of owned dogs will be collected to address rising dog bite cases involving certain ferocious breeds. This information will help the government strategically manage and regulate specific breeds, if necessary.
The census will also focus on gender-wise distribution of stray animals, livestock and poultry with pastoral communities, and the role of women in the livestock sector. Officials have urged citizens to verify enumerators’ identities and cooperate fully by sharing accurate data.
For queries or suggestions, citizens can contact 8956862414. This census will play a crucial role in disease control, livestock health surveillance, and designing schemes for sectoral development, ensuring a robust animal husbandry infrastructure in Goa
