The annual meeting of the Technical Committee of Direction (TCD) for the Improvement of Animal Husbandry & Dairying Statistics was successfully organized in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, during January 22-23, 2026. The meeting was inaugurated by Shri B Rajshekhar, IAS, Ex-Oficio Special Chief Secretary, Animal Husbandry Dairy Development & Fisheries, Govt. of Andhra Pradesh in the presence of Shri Kal Singh, Director General (Statistics), Ministry of Health & Family Welfare and Chairman-TCD, and Shri Jagat Hazarika, Advisor, Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying along with other senior official and representatives from all the 36 states/UTs and institutions like RBI, MoSPI, ICAR-IASRI, ICAR-NIAP, NDDB.

The Committee’s primary objectives are to identify key data gaps, recommend corrective measures, deliberate on statistical methodologies for implementation by central and state bodies, and provide guidance on conducting related sample surveys and census.

The committee reviewed major livestock product estimates and set targets for 2025-26, Subsequently, 5 states namely, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Kerala, Uttarakhand & Mizoram  presented their best practices in statistical data collection framework and also shows innovative strategies of Andhra Pradesh for livestock growth. A roadmap was charted for the continued adoption of the Integrated Sample Survey & Livestock Census across India, with open discussions leading to consensus on improving data quality and technological integration. The meeting reaffirmed India’s commitment to building a robust, transparent, and tech-driven livestock data system critical for policy, livelihoods, and nutritional security.

The TCD meeting, concluded with several key advancements. Highlights included the demonstration of IASRI’s eLISS software for real-time, digital data capture in the Integrated Sample Survey, presentations on best practices from leading states, and enhanced collaboration with national and international bodies like MoSPI, RBI and FAO. 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. Tauqeer Ahmed, Head Sample Survey, ICAR, IASRI, PUSA, Delhi, Shri R.P.S. Rathore, Director, Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying and Dr. T. Damodar Naidu, Director of Animal Husbandry, Govt. of Andhra Pradesh, Dr. G Lathamangeshkar, Director, Govt of Puducherry, Dr. Suresh Chandra Meena, Director, Govt of Rajasthan, Dr. Mempal Singh, Director, Govt of Uttar Pradesh, Dr. Paramdeep Singh Walia, Director, Govt of Punjab, Dr. Kirzang Chuki, Director, Govt of Sikkim, Dr. Neeraj Kumar Chanchal, Director, Govt of Tripura, Dr. Nikhil Kumar Shit, Director, Govt of West Bengal, Dr. Pallavi Chavan, Director, Reserve Bank of India 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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JP

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