Livestock Census 2019 is a reality check and confirms the centrality of slaughter to sustain the cattle species, which farmers have clearly chosen to stop rearing as they cannot dispose of unproductive animals due to slaughter bans. From 2012-2019, the indigenous cattle population across India declined by six percent with males (bulls, bullocks) plunging by 41%, nearly a doubling of the previous five years (2007-2012 (-23%). While male cattle populations have been falling since the onset of mechanisation in agriculture (tractors replacing draught animals) in the mid 1980s, the past five years has seen the maximum drop in male cattle numbers since India’s first livestock census post-independence in 1951. Meanwhile, indigenous cow populations increased by 9% as compared to a 32% increase in cross-bred cows, the main breed for cow milk. Data confirms the impact of slaughter laws and vigilantism where states with maximum bans have shown (i) maximum declines in male cattle, (ii) decreased growth of cows and (iii) significant increases in stray cattle populations as compared to states like Kerala and West Bengal with no slaughter bans.
