From 7.31% to 2.19%: Livestock sector contribution to Nagaland’s economy falls

July 13, 2024 9 Views No Comment

DIMAPUR, JULY 13 (MExN): The share of the livestock sector in Nagaland’s Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) has decreased dramatically from 7.31% in 2013 to 2.19% in 2024, informed Neidilhou Keditsu, Director of Economics and Statistics, during a regional training session on the 21st Livestock Census. Keditsu emphasized the critical role of livestock in Nagaland’s economy and expressed concern over this significant decline, noting its impact on per capita income and the state’s overall economic stability. “Livestock rearing is vital to Naga households’ income, and accurate data collection in the upcoming census is essential for understanding livestock numbers, assessing government policies, and making future projections,” he added. Keditsu urged for meticulous data collection in the 21st Livestock Census to ensure reliable and accurate data, essential for effective policy execution and economic stability.

The regional training session was held at Hotel Acacia, Dimapur, and hosted by the Department of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services, Nagaland. It was attended by state and district nodal officers from Nagaland, Mizoram, Manipur, and Tripura, focusing on software application and breed documentation.

Jagat Hazarika, ISS, Advisor (Statistics) from the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD), Government of India, highlighted the historical importance of the Livestock Census, first conducted in 1919-1920 and held every five years since. “The livestock census is the main source of data for proper planning and formulation of Livestock Welfare Programmes,” Hazarika explained. He encouraged delegates to become proficient in data collection techniques using the provided mobile app and software.

Dr BP Mishra, Director of the ICAR-National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR), thanked the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying for organizing the training and urged enumerators to collect data accurately. “Other departments and agencies might also rely on the data gathered by enumerators,” he pointed out.

Y Renbothung Tsopoe, Secretary of the Department of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services (AH&VS), emphasized the census’s importance for the livestock sector’s development. “This census is crucial for rural livelihoods and contributes significantly to the agricultural economy,” Tsopoe said.

The training session included presentations, discussions on user credentials, and hands-on training on the mobile application and web dashboard. A total of 66 delegates from Nagaland and other states participated in the event, receiving comprehensive training from the software team and DAHD representatives.

The event underscored the need for meticulous and accurate data collection to address the decline in livestock’s contribution to Nagaland’s GSDP and to ensure effective policy execution and economic stability for the state.