Animal Husbandry Statistics (AHS), Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying India's Livestock Sector: A Snapshot

India is the largest milk producer in the world, contributing 25% of global output. The country also ranks 2nd in egg production and 4th in meat production. The livestock sector has demonstrated robust growth, with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 12.77% from 2014-15 to 2023-24 at current prices. Consequently, the share of the livestock sector in the total Gross Value Added (GVA) has increased to 5.5 % in 2023-24, up from 4.4% in 2014-15 (at current prices).

Animal Husbandry Statistics (AHS) Division

The Animal Husbandry Statistics (AHS) Division of the Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying (DAHD) is entrusted with the generation of Animal Husbandry Statistics through the Centrally Sponsored Scheme Livestock Census and Integrated Sample Survey under the development programmes category. The scheme comprises two key components:

• (i) Livestock Census (LC)
• (ii) Integrated Sample Survey (ISS)

The scheme is implemented by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying through State Animal Husbandry Departments. This Division also entrusted the responsibility of establishing the National level Monitors (NLMs) to ensure the effective and timely execution of DAHD schemes. This initiative brings an independent and objective layer of oversee of the department’s programs, providing an on ground, real -time assessment of key DAHD schemes National Livestock Mission, Rashtriya Gokul Mission, National Program for Dairy Development, and Livestock Health & Disease Control to remove technical backstopping faced by implementing agencies in implementation of the scheme of the department.

The AHS Division also houses a newly established Data Analytical Unit to strengthen data-driven decision-making. This unit systematically analyses data received from States, UTs, and implementing agencies on a regular basis. By doing so, it supports the department in formulating and implementing policies more efficiently in alignment with its mandate.

Division’s Mandate:

• 1) Conducting quinquennial Livestock Census (LC).
• 2) Conducting annual sample survey namely Integrated Sample Survey (ISS).
• 3) Publishing All India Livestock Report consisting of livestock population of major species at National and States/UT level by use, sex and age.
• 4) Publishing Breed-wise report based on the latest Livestock Census consisting of detail breed-wise livestock population at aggregate as well as segregated level.
• 5) Publishing of annual publication title Basic Animal Husbandry Statistics to release the production estimates of four major livestock products like milk, meat, egg and wool.
• 6) Overseeing a third-party monitoring mechanism through National Level Monitors (NLMs) to evaluate the grassroots implementation of key DAHD schemes.
• 7) Leveraging a dedicated Data Analytical Unit (DAU) for advanced data analysis, field research, and predictive modelling.

1. Livestock Census (LC):

The Livestock Census, a quinquennial (five-year) exercise, started in the country in the year 1919. So far, 20 livestock censuses have been completed. The Livestock Census is a complete count of livestock and poultry at a pre-defined reference point of time. Similar to population census, primary workers are engaged to undertake house-to-house enumeration and ascertain the number of livestock/poultry possessed by every household, household enterprise, non-household, and institutions by age, sex, and use in both rural and urban areas. Census collects information on 16 species namely Cattle, Buffalo, Yak, Mithun, Sheep, Goat, Pig, Horse, Ponies, Donkey, Mules, Camel, Rabbit, Dog, Elephant and Poultry. Data collected in Livestock Census has been digitized since 20th Livestock Census and data are collected in dedicated mobile apps.

2. Integrated Sample Survey (ISS):

Under this component of scheme, the quantum of four major livestock products (MLPs) — Milk, Egg, Meat, and Wool is estimated based on an annual sample survey called the “Integrated Sample Survey,” conducted at both National and State levels. This is an essential survey to measure the contribution of the livestock sector to the total economy. The survey is carried out in the entire country, covering all 36 States/UTs in both rural and urban areas. Data collection under ISS has been ongoing since 1985-86. The survey period runs from March to February, divided into three seasons: summer, rainy, and winter, each covering four months. This methodology provides progressive estimates of aggregates and accounts for any seasonality in the characters under study. The survey has been fully digital since 2023-24. The traditional approach of using paper schedules has been replaced by the Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) method. Data is directly entered into tablets/mobiles by field workers using a specialized software developed by the department called eLISS. Technical support, including methodology, software development, and application maintenance, is provided by ICAR-IASRI (Indian Agricultural Statistics Research Institute).

3. National Level Monitors (NLMs):

National Level Monitors (NLMs) ensures the systematic and time-bound implementation of key schemes of DAHD, including the National Livestock Mission, Rashtriya Gokul Mission, National Programme for Dairy Development, and Livestock Health & Disease Control. To enable digital monitoring of the scheme, an integrated web application has been developed, bringing together all stakeholders—including implementing agencies, programme divisions, National Level Monitors (NLMs), and administrators—onto a common platform for information sharing. NLMs are appointed through open advertisement and a stringent selection process, with preference for professionals possessing expertise in monitoring, evaluation, and the Animal Husbandry sector. Their key responsibilities include conducting field visits to various implementation sites, to gauge the on-ground impact of the schemes, assessing adherence to guidelines, examining the quality of assets created, ensuring fairness in the selection of beneficiaries and distribution of incentives. Ultimately, this is an exercise to crisscross the extension of benefits of the scheme to the intended beneficiaries. Thereafter, NLMs are to submit comprehensive reports based on their observations.

4. The Data Analytical Unit (DAU):

Established in January 2025, the Data Analytics Unit (DAU) is an interdisciplinary team focused on data-driven governance for DAHD schemes. It leads advanced analytics, field research, AI/ML initiatives, and analyses existing IT systems from point of view data sanctity, usage and end-user experience to enhance programme delivery, efficiency, and evidence-based policymaking. The DAU also develops decision-support tools, builds internal data science capacity, and fosters innovation through collaborations. Furthermore, the DAU builds internal capacity in data science and collaborates with external partners to promote innovation and technological advancement within DAHD.