Sri Vijaya Puram, July 17: Livestock farmers in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands will receive financial protection against the loss of animals due to disease, accidents and natural calamities with the launch of the Livestock Insurance Scheme under the National Livestock Mission (NLM) for the financial year 2026-27. The initiative aims to reduce the financial risks faced by livestock rearers and strengthen the animal husbandry sector across the Islands.
The Directorate of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, Andaman and Nicobar Administration, has initiated the implementation of the scheme to provide insurance coverage for livestock owned by farmers. The measure seeks to safeguard rural livelihoods while encouraging greater investment in animal husbandry activities.
Under the scheme, insurance coverage will be available for milch cattle, milch buffaloes, goats and pigs, which constitute the primary livestock reared across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The Administration stated that the scheme has been designed to support farmers engaged in livestock farming by providing financial assistance in the event of animal losses caused by disease, accidents or natural calamities.
The initiative is expected to benefit a wide section of livestock rearers, including small and marginal farmers, Self Help Groups and women entrepreneurs involved in dairy farming, goat rearing and piggery activities. By reducing the financial uncertainty associated with livestock losses, the scheme aims to provide greater security to those dependent on animal husbandry for their livelihoods.
The Administration said livestock insurance will also encourage farmers to adopt modern scientific livestock management practices, improve animal healthcare and enhance productivity in the sector. It expects the initiative to promote livestock farming as a sustainable source of income for more families and encourage greater participation by young people in the sector.
According to the Administration, the welfare and economic development of livestock rearers remain a priority, and the implementation of the Livestock Insurance Scheme forms part of its efforts to strengthen the rural economy of the Islands through support to the animal husbandry sector.
Farmers interested in enrolling under the Livestock Insurance Scheme have been advised to contact their nearest Veterinary Hospital for guidance on the enrolment process and to avail themselves of the benefits offered under the programme.
