Approximately four million stray cattle in Madhya Pradesh will receive unique 12-digit saffron tags to distinguish them from domestic animals and aid the government in better management. The tags are being issued under the Bharat Pashudhan project. (Photo by HT/For illustration purposes). According to the State Crime Record Bureau’s data for 2024 and 2023, stray cattle caused 237 road accidents, resulting in 94 fatalities and 133 injuries. Farmers have raised concerns over stray cattle ruining crops, particularly in the Kharif season. The tags are designed to incorporate stray cattle into the Unique Animal Identification system. We encountered issues scanning the tags on the cattle. The new color would simplify identification. The state had requested color-coded tags from the Centre, and approval has been received in principle, additional chief secretary (animal husbandry) Umakant Umrao said. A second official noted that the new tags will be issued under the Bharat Pashudhan project, an initiative of the National Digital Livestock Mission aimed at digitizing the country’s livestock. Every stray or destitute cow residing in shelter homes will receive a unique 12-digit saffron tag.