The livestock census data for 2012, released on Wednesday, shows that livestock numbers in the country decreased by 3.3 per cent in five years. The number of poultry and milk-producing cattle, however, increased in comparison to previous livestock census held in 2007. The population of camels decreased drastically, followed by donkeys, pig, goats and sheep.
The total livestock population in the country, comprising buffaloes, sheep, goats, pigs, horses, ponies, mules, donkeys, camels, mithun and yak was 512.05 million in 2012 compared to 529.69 million in 2007, which is a decrease of 3.3 per cent compared to previous census.
Some states, however, showed an increase in livestock population. Gujarat registered a livestock population increase of 15.36 per cent, followed by Uttar Pradesh (14.01 per cent), Assam (10.77 per cent), Punjab (9.57 per cent) Bihar (8.56 per cent), Sikkim (7.96 per cent), Meghalaya (7.41 per cent), and Chhattisgarh (4.34 per cent).
Dairy sector thriving
The population of female cattle (cows and buffaloes), indigenous milch animal (in-milk and dry) breed and other exotic or crossbreed increased, which indicates dairy development in the country.
The population of sheep, goat, camel, donkey and pig decreased, indicating livelihood crisis of the poor who rear it. The number of camels declined by 22 per cent, donkeys by 27 per cent, sheep by 9 per cent, goats by 4 percent, and pigs by 8 per cent.
The population of poultry has also increased. The total poultry population in the country increased by 12.39 per cent over the previous census and the total poultry in the country was 729.2 million in 2012.