Animal Aadhaar Card: Why Unique ID Tags for Cows, Buffaloes, and Goats Are Important

Animal husbandry has always been a major source of income for Indian farmers. To strengthen this sector, the government has introduced a major initiative — the Animal Aadhaar Card, also known as animal tagging.
This unique ID is designed to record every important detail about each animal, making vaccination, treatment, insurance, and productivity management easier and more reliable.

In this blog, you will learn:

• What the Animal Aadhaar Card is

• How the tagging process works

• What benefits it provides

• Why every livestock owner should get it done

What Is an Animal Aadhaar Card?

The Animal Aadhaar Card is a unique identification number (UID) given to livestock such as cows, buffaloes, and goats.
A small yellow tag weighing around 8 grams is attached to the animal’s ear. This tag carries a 12-digit unique number, similar to the Aadhaar system used for humans.

This unique number helps the government maintain a digital record of each animal, which includes:

• Breed and age

• Vaccination history

• Disease and treatment record

• Milk production and health details

• Owner information

Why Is the Animal Aadhaar Card Being Issued?

1. Creating a Digital Livestock Database

The government aims to bring all livestock data onto a central digital platform. This will help in:

• Identifying the exact number of animals

• Providing better health and veterinary services

• Implementing breed improvement schemes

The target is to create UID numbers for over 50 crore livestock animals.

2. Making Buying and Selling Easier

With a unique ID, anyone can easily check an animal’s:

• Breed

• Age

• Health condition

• Vaccination record

This reduces fraud and makes transactions more transparent.

3. Getting Government Services at Home

Through digital records and mobile apps:

• Vaccination schedules

• Health check-ups

• Breed improvement programs

• Medicines

All services reach the farmer directly and on time.

The e-Gopala App Initiative

To support livestock owners, the government launched the e-Gopala App.
The app provides complete information such as:

• Animal Aadhaar number

• Health, disease, and treatment data

• Breeding and IVF records

• Vaccination and medication history

Farmers can view all details directly on their phones.

How Many Animals Have Received Aadhaar?

According to the Central Animal Husbandry Department:

• Over 4 crore cows and buffaloes already have Aadhaar tags

• The initial target is 30 crore cows and buffaloes

• Tagging for goats and other livestock will begin after that

Benefits of the Animal Aadhaar Card

1. Free Vaccination and Treatment

Once your animal has an Aadhaar tag:

• Government teams will handle regular vaccinations

• Veterinary doctors will visit in case of illness

• Many medicines are provided free of cost

2. Improved Milk Production and Quality

With digital health monitoring, farmers receive:

• Feeding and nutrition guidance

• Milking improvement tips

• Regular health updates

3. Full Insurance Coverage

A major benefit:
If your animal dies due to disease, the government provides full insurance compensation.
For this, the Animal Aadhaar Card is mandatory.

4. Support for Breed Improvement Programs

Services like:

• Artificial insemination

• Breed improvement

• IVF programs

become easier and more accessible with proper records.

How to Get an Animal Aadhaar Card

To get your animal tagged:

1. Visit your nearest Veterinary Department / Animal Husbandry Office

2. A government technician will attach the tag to the animal’s ear

3. Your details and the animal’s details will be recorded digitally

4. You will receive the animal’s unique ID number

The process is simple and usually free or very low-cost.

Why Every Farmer Should Get It Done

• Ensures proper identification

• Reduces risk of theft and loss

• Guarantees timely treatment and vaccination

• Helps improve milk yield

• Makes insurance claims easy

• Connects farmers to future government schemes

Conclusion: Animal Aadhaar Is the Future of Smart Livestock Management

The Animal Aadhaar Card is a game-changing step for livestock owners. It protects animals, improves their health, and ensures farmers receive complete benefits from government schemes.
If you haven’t created the Aadhaar Card for your cows, buffaloes, or goats yet, this is the right time to do it.