Union Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh set to launch Pandemic Fund Project and 21st Livestock Census Operation on 25th October 2024
Union Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh set to launch Pandemic Fund Project and 21st Livestock Census Operation on 25th October 2024
The Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh will launch two pivotal initiatives aimed at strengthening the animal health infrastructure in India: the Pandemic Fund Project on “Animal Health Security Strengthening in India for Pandemic Preparedness and Response” and the 21st Livestock Census operation. The launch will take place on 25th October 2024 at 10:00 AM at Hotel Leela Ambience Convention, Shahdara, New Delhi.
The event will also be graced by the Ministers of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Shri Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel and Shri George Kurian serving as Guests of Honour. The event will also see the participation of distinguished guests including Shri Amitabh Kant, G20 Sherpa; Prof. Dr. V K Paul, Member Health, NITI Aayog; Ms. Alka Upadhyaya, Secretary, Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying; and Mr. Punya Salila Srivastava, Secretary, Health & Family Welfare.
Pandemic Fund Project
The Pandemic Fund, established under Indonesia’s G20 Presidency, aims to finance critical investments that strengthen pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response (PPR) capacities, with a focus on low- and middle-income countries. India’s $25 million proposal, approved under the Fund’s first call, focuses on animal health security—a crucial component of pandemic preparedness.
This event will highlight the importance of integrating a One Health approach into pandemic response efforts. Five of the six recent public health emergencies declared by the World Health Organization (WHO) have had their origins in animals, further emphasizing that strengthening animal health security is key to reducing zoonotic risks and safeguarding both human and animal populations from future pandemics.
The “Animal Health Security Strengthening in India for Pandemic Preparedness and Response” project is designed to reduce the risk of zoonotic diseases that can potentially spread from animals (both domestic and wildlife) to humans. With pandemic threats looming, this project will play a pivotal role in fortifying India’s animal health infrastructure, ensuring the nation is better prepared for future health crises. The project will be implemented in collaboration with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) as the lead implementing entity, with support from The World Bank and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The launch of the Animal Health Security Strengthening in India project under the Pandemic Fund marks a significant step in India’s commitment to One Health and pandemic preparedness.
21st Livestock Census Operation
The Livestock Census (LC) is a crucial exercise that has been conducted every five years since 1919, serving as the backbone for policy formulation and the implementation of various programmes in the Animal Husbandry sector. The Census involves a comprehensive door-to-door survey that captures detailed data on domesticated animals and birds across the nation. Till date 20 Livestock censuses had been conducted and the last census was held in the year 2019.
The rollout of 21st Livestock Census, scheduled to be conducted during September-December, 2024, will be in collaboration with State/UT Animal Husbandry and Dairying. At all India level around 1 lakh field officials who are mostly veterinarians or para-veterinarians will be involved in the enumeration process. This LC will leverage mobile technology for data collection and transmission. This advancement is expected to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of data collection across all villages and urban wards in the country.
Data on 15 species of Livestock viz. Cattle, Buffalo, Mithun, Yak, Sheep, Goat, Pig, Camel, Horse, Ponies, Mule, Donkey, Dog, Rabbit and Elephant are covered in this census. Other than Livestock, headcount of Poultry Birds viz. Fowl, Duck, Turkey, Geese, Quail, Gini Fowl, Ostrich and Emu will also be taken from each Household/ Household Enterprises/ Non-households/Institution. This LC will capture data on 219 Indigenous breeds of 16 species recognised by ICAR-National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR). Notably, this will be the first census to independently capture data on livestock holdings by pastoralists and to include information on the gender of individuals primarily involved in livestock rearing.
In addition, the event will also feature the release of important documents aimed at strengthening animal health management in India:
These documents will serve as vital tools for veterinarians, policymakers, and field officials, helping to ensure timely and effective responses to animal health crises and improving disease management protocols.
The Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying invites all stakeholders to participate in the launch of the Pandemic Fund Project and the 21st Livestock Census Operation, both of which play an essential role in enhancing India’s preparedness against health crises and in fortifying animal health security.
- Standard Veterinary Treatment Guidelines: A comprehensive document that outlines best practices for veterinary care, aimed at improving the overall health and productivity of livestock.
- Crisis Management Plan for Animal Diseases: A critical resource that provides a framework for managing and responding to outbreaks of animal diseases, ensuring rapid containment and mitigation.