Sri Vijaya Puram, Nov. 12: The Department of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services (AH&VS), Andaman & Nicobar Administration, has operationalised the Livestock Insurance Scheme under the National Livestock Mission (NLM) for the financial year 2026-27. The scheme is designed to provide financial security to livestock farmers against the loss of their animals due to disease, accidents or natural calamities. By covering these risks, the initiative aims to reduce the vulnerability of farmers and encourage them to invest confidently in animal husbandry as a sustainable source of income.
Under the scheme, insurance coverage is available for milch cattle, milch buffaloes, goats and pigs, which form the backbone of livestock rearing in the Islands. The premium has been kept highly affordable. The Central Government bears 85 per cent of the premium amount, while the beneficiary is required to pay only 15 per cent. This low farmer contribution makes the scheme particularly beneficial for small and marginal farmers, Self Help Groups and women livestock rearers who depend on animals for their livelihood and household nutrition.
Livestock owners interested in availing the benefits are requested to apply through the official Livestock Insurance Portal. Farmers may visit bharatpashudhan.ndlm.co.in and click on the Insurance Portal, or go directly to rashtriyapashubima.dahd.gov.in. Registration requires the NDLM-registered mobile number and the ear tag number of the animal. Once registered, the application can be submitted online in a simple and convenient manner. Farmers may also contact the nearest Veterinary Hospital or Dispensary for guidance, clarification and any assistance required during the enrolment process.
The Department of AH&VS has appealed to all eligible livestock farmers across the Andaman & Nicobar Islands to come forward and insure their animals under the scheme. Timely enrolment will help protect their valuable livestock assets, safeguard their livelihood and contribute to the overall strengthening of the animal husbandry sector in the Islands.