Cows, buffaloes to get 12-digit ‘number plates’ in India

Move comes to make a database that will include details such as breed, vaccination status and details of the owner

The Indian government has come up with yet another ingenious solution for its growing civic issues. The Modi-led administration has rolled out an extensive programme with the aim of giving each cow in the country a unique 12-digit identification number which is quite similar to an Aadhaar card for Indian citizens.



Starting this year, nearly 100,000 technicians equipped with tablets will fan out across the country with the mission to tag each of the staggering 88 million cows and buffaloes with a unique identification number. And they have only a year to get the job done.

The purpose, as per Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision, is to provide an easier and efficient way of vaccination and scientific intervention that result in better breeding and increased milk production, in the hopes of doubling daily farmer’s income by 2022.



Once tagged, technician will upload all information of the animal to an online database that includes details such as breed, vaccination status and details of the owner.

It is worth mentioning that the administration has set aside a massive INR 148 crore or approximately $22 million for the task.

This article originally appeared on Economic Times.