Press Information Bureau

The Government has conducted the 20^th Livestock Census in 2019. It covers 184 breeds of total 16 animal species like Cattle, Buffalo, Mithun, Yak, Sheep, Goat, Pig, Horse, Pony, Mule, Donkey Camel, Dog, Rabbit and Elephant and poultry birds (Fowl, Duck, Turkeys and other poultry birds) possessed by the households, household enterprises/non household enterprises and institutions at their site. The Department is also initiating the next Livestock Census scheduled for Year 2024.

There are 38 indigenous breeds out of 184 breeds of different livestock and poultry species that are ‘at risk’. The risk status has been assessed based on population as mentioned in Breed wise Report of Livestock and Poultry (based on 20th Livestock Census) published by Dept. of Animal Husbandry & Dairying (DAHD), MoFAHD, Govt. of India during 2022. Among these, germplasm of 19 indigenous breeds (50%) have been cryopreserved at National Gene Bank at ICAR-NBAGR.

As Animal Husbandry being a State subject, different States has introduced their own programmes to make available the subsidized feed and fodder for Livestock. This Ministry is supplementing the efforts made by the State Governments aiming towards improving their productivity. Also, provisions are there under the centrally sponsored scheme, ‘National Livestock Mission’ implemented by this Ministry, for providing subsidy to entrepreneurs for the establishments of units producing total mixed ration, hay, silage and fodder blocks by which availability and affordability of animal feed is facilitated for the farmers. The subsidy will be 50% of the total project cost upto Rs.50 Lakhs in two equal installments.

The Government of India is implementing the Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM) for the development and conservation of indigenous breeds, genetic upgradation of the bovine population and enhancement of milk production and productivity of bovines since 2014. The salient features of the scheme are:

1. 1. to enhance the productivity of bovines and increase milk production in a sustainable manner using advanced technologies
   2. to propagate the use of high genetic merit bulls for breeding purposes
   3. to enhance Artificial insemination coverage through strengthening the breeding network and delivery of Artificial insemination services at farmers doorstep
   4. to promote indigenous cattle & buffalo rearing and conservation in a scientific and holistic manner.

This information was given by Shri Parshottam Rupala, Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

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