Port Blair, Sept. 3: The 19th Livestock Census 2012 is going to be conducted with effect from 15th September 2012 to 15th October 2012 in this UT with the rest of the country. The Livestock Census is conducted quinquennially in this country, beginning from the year 1919-1920. The last Livestock Census was conducted in the year 2007.The present Census is the 19th one in the series of Livestock Census to be conducted so far in the country. The actual enumeration alongwith house listing operation will be done from is 15th September 2012 to 14th October 2012, with reference date as 15th October 2012 to incorporate any changes in the data.

The livestock rearing is one of the most important activities in the rural areas of the country providing supplementary income for most of the families engaged in agriculture. The animal husbandry sector plays a prominent socio-economic role and is the precious source of nutrition in the form of milk, egg and meat, which have got no substitutes. It has been found that in the time of exigencies like draught and other natural calamities, it is the livestock, which comes to the rescue of vast section of rural population. Besides, animal husbandry has got immense potential of employment generation through direct engagement and animal husbandry activities.

The Livestock Census is the only source of data for planning and formulation of any programme, meant for bringing further improvement in Livestock Sector, its effective implementation and monitoring the impact. It need not be emphasized here that the accuracy of data is the essence of any Census Operation for which each and every household engaged in the livestock rearing will be covered throughout this UT.

In this connection, we seek the co-operation of all the livestock owners throughout the UT of A & N Islands to provide accurate information on livestock and poultry in their possession without any fear or prejudice as and when the duly appointed enumerator by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services approaches you from 15th September to 15th October, 2012. It is further clarified that the information collected from individual household/enterprises under the census operation is confidential and will be used only for statistical purposes.