The meeting of the Technical Committee of Direction (TCD) for the Improvement of Animal Husbandry & Dairying Statistics was successfully organized in Pune, Maharashtra, on January 29-30, 2025. The meeting was inaugurated by Shri Kal Singh, Director General (Statistics), Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, in the presence of Shri Jagat Hazarika, Advisor, Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying, along with other senior official and representatives from various states and institutions.

The primary objectives of the Committee were to identify essential data gaps, recommend suitable measures, deliberate on statistical methodologies for implementation by the Centre, States/UTs, and provide guidance in conducting sample surveys relating to Animal Husbandry and Dairying. The committee also reviewed the progress of statistical data collection and proposed necessary improvements.

During the meeting, key discussions included the action taken report of the previous TCD meeting, an overview of the Integrated Sample Survey (ISS), and presentations on best practices in data collection from various states. The states of Uttarakhand, Gujarat, and Kerala shared their experiences in data collection for ISS, while Andhra Pradesh, Sikkim, and Tamil Nadu presented best practices related to the 21st Livestock Census.

Additionally, deliberations were held on the progress of the 21st Livestock Census, financial progress, and staffing challenges faced by states/Uts. Technical presentations on eLISS and L.C. software were conducted by IASRI experts, providing insights into digital advancements in livestock data management.

India representative from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) also joined virtually from Rome in the TCD meeting and provided a detailed presentation on the data requirements of the Animal Husbandry sector for preparation of India’s Food Balance Sheet in detail. The discussion underscored the importance of this data for global agricultural statistics and policymaking, leading the TCD to decide on further examination of the matter.

Senior officials present at the meeting included Dr. Praveen Kumar, Commissioner, Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Government of Maharashtra, Dr. Sheetal Kumar Mukane, Additional Commissioner, Department of Animal Husbandry, Government of Maharashtra, Dr. Tauqeer Ahmed, Principal Scientist, ICAR-IASRI, PUSA Delhi, and Shri V.P. Singh, Director, Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying, among others.

The meeting concluded with an open house discussion, summarizing key takeaways and future directions for improving livestock statistics in India. The Chairman-TCD emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in strengthening statistical data frameworks to support policy decisions. The event ended with a formal vote of thanks by the AHS Division, DAHD.

The Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying, which oversees livestock production, preservation, protection from diseases, and dairy development, continues to advise State Governments/Union Territories in policy formulation. The Department remains committed to developing the necessary infrastructure to enhance animal productivity, ensure livestock health, and strengthen central livestock farms.

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NJ/YD

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