The annual meeting of the Technical Committee of Direction for the Improvement of Animal Husbandry and Dairying Statistics was held in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, from January 22 to 23, 2026, bringing together policymakers, statisticians and sector experts to review progress, address data gaps and strengthen India’s livestock data ecosystem.
The meeting was inaugurated by Shri B Rajshekhar, IAS, Ex-Officio Special Chief Secretary, Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development and Fisheries, Government of Andhra Pradesh, in the presence of Shri Kal Singh, Director General (Statistics), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and Chairman of the Technical Committee of Direction, and Shri Jagat Hazarika, Advisor, Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying. Senior officials and representatives from all 36 States and Union Territories participated, along with institutions including the Reserve Bank of India, Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, ICAR–Indian Agricultural Statistics Research Institute, ICAR–National Institute of Agricultural Economics and Policy Research, and the National Dairy Development Board.
The committee deliberated on identifying critical data gaps, recommending corrective measures and standardising statistical methodologies for surveys and censuses related to animal husbandry and dairying. Discussions focused on improving the quality, timeliness and comparability of livestock data to support evidence-based policymaking, livelihood planning and nutritional security.
During the meeting, major livestock product estimates were reviewed and targets for 2025–26 were set. Five states—Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Kerala, Uttarakhand and Mizoram—presented best practices in statistical data collection, highlighting innovative approaches and state-level strategies, including Andhra Pradesh’s initiatives for livestock growth and data integration.
A detailed roadmap was charted for the continued nationwide adoption of the Integrated Sample Survey and Livestock Census. Participants reached consensus on the need for enhanced technological integration, real-time data capture and capacity building to improve accuracy and reliability of livestock statistics across states.
Key advancements highlighted during the meeting included a live demonstration of the eLISS software developed by ICAR–IASRI for digital, real-time data collection under the Integrated Sample Survey. Presentations also showcased collaborative efforts with national and international bodies, including MoSPI, RBI and FAO, underlining the growing importance of India’s livestock data for global agricultural statistics and policy formulation.
Senior officials attending the meeting included Dr Tauqeer Ahmed, Head, Sample Survey, ICAR–IASRI, Pusa, Delhi; Shri R P S Rathore, Director, Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying; Dr T Damodar Naidu, Director of Animal Husbandry, Government of Andhra Pradesh; Dr G Lathamangeshkar, Director, Government of Puducherry; Dr Suresh Chandra Meena, Director, Government of Rajasthan; Dr Mempal Singh, Director, Government of Uttar Pradesh; Dr Paramdeep Singh Walia, Director, Government of Punjab; Dr Kirzang Chuki, Director, Government of Sikkim; Dr Neeraj Kumar Chanchal, Director, Government of Tripura; Dr Nikhil Kumar Shit, Director, Government of West Bengal; and Dr Pallavi Chavan, Director, Reserve Bank of India, among others.
The meeting concluded with an open house discussion summarising key outcomes and future directions. The Chairman of the Technical Committee of Direction emphasised the importance of sustained collaboration among central and state agencies to build a transparent, technology-driven and robust livestock data framework. The proceedings concluded with a formal vote of thanks by the Animal Husbandry Statistics Division of the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying.
