Dimapur: Farmers in Dimapur have been urged to tap the 85% premium subsidy under the National Livestock Mission (NLM) during a training on livestock insurance conducted the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services on April 14.
Altogether, more than 30 participants, including veterinary doctors, para-vets and livestock entrepreneurs, attended the training held at Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO) office Dimapur.
The training focused on improving awareness and uptake of livestock insurance as a financial safety net for the farming community.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr Sentinungla Ao, Chief Veterinary Officer, Dimapur, said the introduction of the livestock insurance scheme under NLM addresses a long-standing need of livestock farmers and is expected to boost entrepreneurship in the sector. She noted that the scheme provides financial protection against death, loss or damage of insured animals due to specified risks.
Highlighting the subsidy component, she informed that beneficiaries are required to pay only 15% of the premium, while the remaining 85% is borne by the Central and State governments. She encouraged farmers to avail the scheme and adopt scientific farming practices to scale up production, noting that Nagaland continues to depend heavily on other states for milk, meat and eggs.
During the technical session, Dr Vikshe Sumi, DLDO and Nodal Officer, presented details on insurance coverage, including eligible livestock and poultry, premium rates, documentation, enrolment procedures, and claim settlement processes in cases of death or loss.
He also informed that the scheme is being implemented by the department in association with the National Insurance Company Ltd.
According to a press release issued by the Chief Veterinary Officer, Dimapur, farmers have been advised to contact the CVO office for further information and to avail insurance forms for livestock and poultry.
-Agencies