A two-day national-level annual meeting of the Technical Committee of Direction (TCD) on Livestock Statistics commenced in Amaravati on Thursday, bringing together representatives from all States and Union Territories to review and validate livestock product data and chart strategies for the sector’s growth.
The meeting was being attended by Director-General (Statistics) and TCD Chairman Kaal Singh, Special Chief Secretary (Health & Family Welfare) Takheer Ahmed, Andhra Pradesh Special Chief Secretary (Animal Husbandry) B. Rajasekhar, Adviser Jagat Hazarika, Director of Animal Husbandry T. Damodar Naidu, and officials from MoSPI, the Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying, RBI, FAO and other institutions.
Addressing the gathering, Mr. Rajasekhar said Andhra Pradesh plays a pivotal role in India’s livestock economy, with globally recognised breeds such as Ongole and Punganur cattle, Godavari buffaloes, Nellore and Macherla sheep, and Aseel poultry. He noted that the livestock sector generates higher income than services and industry in the State, with a revenue target of ₹2 lakh crore set for 2025–26.
Mr. Ahmed emphasised the importance of accurate livestock statistics, calling them vital to policy planning and the Digital Agriculture framework.
Officials said national discussions focused on strengthening livestock surveys, with Andhra Pradesh recently completing a comprehensive survey covering nearly 20 lakh livestock-rearing families. The data, they said, would guide future policies and improve support to livestock farmers.
Published – January 22, 2026 08:47 pm IST
