New Delhi, Dec 17: Jammu and Kashmir has reported 25.39 lakh cattle, 6.9 lakh buffaloes, 32.47 lakh sheep and 17.3 lakh goats according to the 20th Livestock Census, underlining the Union Territory’s significant dependence on livestock-based livelihoods, especially sheep and goat rearing in its mountainous regions.
The data were shared by the Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Rajeev Ranjan Singh in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday.
The Livestock Census is a complete enumeration exercise covering domesticated animals and poultry across the country, providing species-wise and State/UT-wise population estimates of cattle (cows), buffaloes, sheep and goats. At the national level, India recorded 193.5 million cattle, 109.8 million buffaloes, 74.26 million sheep and 148.87 million goats, reflecting the scale and diversity of the livestock sector.
According to the census figures, Jammu and Kashmir has one of the higher sheep populations among States and Union Territories, highlighting the economic importance of wool, mutton and allied activities in the region. Goat rearing also remains a major source of supplementary income for rural households.
The government clarified that animal husbandry is a State subject, and States and UTs implement their own schemes to provide subsidised feed and fodder to livestock owners. Several States have introduced programmes to ensure the availability of animal feed at affordable rates.
The Centre is supporting these efforts through schemes such as the National Livestock Mission and the Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund, which aim to enhance feed availability, strengthen infrastructure and improve productivity in the livestock sector.
The census data form the basis for policy planning, resource allocation and targeted interventions to support farmers, pastoralists and livestock-dependent communities across the country.
