Mysuru: The Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services Department is making extensive preparations for the upcoming 21st National Livestock Census in the district. This census marks a significant shift in methodology, as officials will utilise a smartphone application for the first time to collect data directly from households, moving away from traditional paper-based methods.
The app, developed by the Central Department of Animal Husbandry, is expected to be launched shortly, with officials having received thorough training on its usage. Previously, census takers manually filled out extensive forms with over 200 columns, a process that was time-consuming and prone to errors. With the new app, data can be entered succinctly and efficiently. Remarkably, the app is designed to function without network connectivity, syncing with the central server once a connection is re-established.
Dr. Nagaraj, Deputy Director of the Animal Husbandry Department, highlighted that all department staff will participate as assistants in the census. Individual ID cards have been issued to the census takers, ensuring a structured and accountable approach to data collection.
The census is set to span four months, and the department has undertaken comprehensive training for its staff. Master trainers have already completed their training, while various stages of training for the 150 census takers and 35 supervisors are currently underway. As census takers visit households, supervisors and nodal officers will oversee the entire process to maintain accuracy and integrity.
Data collection will encompass a wide range of animals, including cattle, oxen, buffalo, goats, sheep, chickens, dogs, horses, emus, and ostriches. The census will also account for stray cattle and dogs, along with information gathered from gaushalas (cattle shelters).
Households with significant livestock numbers—more than ten cattle, over 1,000 chickens, or more than 50 goats—will be classified as farms for data collection purposes. Each census taker is tasked with covering every 6,000 households in urban areas and every 4,500 households in rural settings, as per departmental guidelines.
The livestock census has been a critical exercise conducted every five years since its inception in 1919. The forthcoming census will be the 21st, with a total of 3,357 census takers and 730 supervisors appointed to ensure comprehensive coverage of every household in Karnataka.
The primary aim of this census is to provide the government with accurate and detailed data to inform future policies. The collected information will be instrumental in developing policy programmes that benefit farmers and the dairy industry. Key areas of focus include documenting various livestock breeds, their population, age demographics, and the involvement of women in animal husbandry.
Moreover, the census aims to identify trends within the livestock sector, enhance animal quality, control diseases, and promote advanced livestock farming practices among farmers. This strategic approach will facilitate effective resource allocation, ensuring that the needs of the livestock community are met.
As Mysuru prepares for this significant undertaking, the integration of technology and comprehensive training underscores the commitment to improving the livestock sector and supporting the agricultural community.