Government Boosts Livestock Insurance Scheme with Lower Premiums

Over 21 lakh livestock animals have been insured this financial year under the National Livestock Mission. The government has reduced the beneficiary share of the insurance premium to increase participation. Initiatives to raise awareness about the scheme are ongoing, but data on dependent households is unavailable.

The government has successfully insured over 21 lakh livestock animals in the current financial year as part of the National Livestock Mission (NLM), according to a statement made in Parliament on Tuesday.

The announcement came from Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, SP Singh Baghel, who highlighted a reduced premium share for beneficiaries. Baghel encouraged state governments to submit proposals to further extend coverage.

Efforts to promote the scheme include seminars and video conferences, although data on households relying on livestock-related income remains uncollected. Baghel noted the existence of 10.08 crore households owning livestock or poultry, according to the 19th Livestock Census.

(With inputs from agencies.)