Union minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh, who is Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, launched 21st Livestock Census which will be conducted till February next year at a cost of Rs 200 crore.

• The minister said the availability of precise data will help the government frame policies for ensuring health security of animals and achieve higher growth in the sector.
• Singh also launched a USD 25 million 'Pandemic Fund Project' to strengthen animal health security in India for pandemic preparedness and response.
• The 21st Livestock Census will cover over 30 crore households across all States and Union Territories, including nomadic communities and pastoralists, ensuring that the diversity of India’s livestock practices is captured.
• The census will focus on critical areas such as Gender Roles in Livestock Rearing, breed management, animal health and productivity.