Sri Vijaya Puram, November 13: Livestock farmers in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands can insure their cattle, buffaloes, goats and pigs against losses caused by disease, accidents and natural calamities, with the Central Government covering 85 per cent of the insurance premium under the National Livestock Mission (NLM) for 2026-27. Beneficiaries will have to pay the remaining 15 per cent to secure coverage for their animals.
The Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services (AH&VS), Andaman and Nicobar Administration, has operationalised the scheme for the current financial year, offering livestock owners a mechanism to protect animals that contribute to their household income and livelihoods.
The scheme covers milch cattle, milch buffaloes, goats and pigs, extending insurance protection to four categories of livestock commonly reared in the islands. It seeks to reduce the financial exposure of farmers who risk losing their animals to unforeseen events.
Under the premium-sharing arrangement, the Centre will bear the bulk of the insurance cost, leaving livestock owners with a contribution of just 15 per cent. The provision is particularly relevant for small and marginal farmers, Self Help Groups and women engaged in livestock rearing, who depend on animals for income and household nutrition.
Eligible livestock owners can submit applications through the designated online insurance platforms. They can access the service through the Bharat Pashudhan portal at bharatpashudhan.ndlm.co.in by selecting the Insurance Portal, or visit the dedicated Rashtriya Pashudhan Bima portal at rashtriyapashubima.dahd.gov.in.
Applicants must provide the mobile number registered under the National Digital Livestock Mission (NDLM) and the ear tag number of the animal they intend to insure. The registration and application process can then be completed online.
For farmers who need assistance with enrolment, the department has directed them to approach their nearest Veterinary Hospital or Veterinary Dispensary for guidance and clarification on the application process.
The insurance provision is intended to limit the economic consequences of livestock losses and provide farmers with greater financial security against risks that can affect animal-based livelihoods. By reducing the share of the premium payable by beneficiaries, the scheme also seeks to make insurance accessible to livestock owners with limited financial resources.
The AH&VS Department has urged eligible livestock owners across the islands to enrol their animals under the programme, stressing the importance of securing livestock assets against unforeseen losses.
