Livestock Insurance Scheme was officially launched in Tripura on Friday with an aim to empower the livestock farmers.

The Animal Resources Development Department will implement the scheme state-wide in partnership with the Agriculture Insurance Company of India. The Central Government has approved Rs. 913.66 lakhs to support this vital initiative, which seeks to enhance the financial security of livestock farmers and promote sustainable animal husbandry practices across the state.

The launching ceremony was held at Pragna Bhavan, Agartala, in the presence of Sudhangshu Das, Minister of Animal Resources Development, and Paschim Tripura Zilla Sabhadhipati Biswajit Shil.

In his address, Das urged livestock farmers across the state to actively avail the benefits of this scheme to protect their animals and secure their livelihoods against unforeseen losses. He emphasized the government’s steadfast commitment to supporting farmers and promoting rural prosperity through such initiatives.

A government press release said, the Government of India, under the National Livestock Mission (NLM), has introduced a simplified Livestock Insurance Scheme aimed at safeguarding farmers from financial losses caused by the death of their animals. The premium share for farmers has been significantly reduced to just 15%, with the remaining cost shared by the Centre and the State Government of Tripura in a 90:10 ratio.

The scheme covers indigenous and crossbred milch cattle, buffaloes, sheep, goats, and pigs.

Dr. Neeraj Kumar Chanchal, IFS, Director of ARDD, delivered the welcome address and the vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. Bimal Krishna Das, Additional Director, ARDD.

Deepa D. Nair, IFS, Secretary of ARDD, delivered an insightful speech, highlighting the critical role of the Livestock Insurance Scheme as an essential tool to mitigate the risks faced by farmers and ensure timely financial relief.

In an extended session of the program, six livestock farmers were felicitated with policy certificates by the dignitaries.

Around 300 participants, including departmental officials and livestock farmers from across the state, attended the event, underscoring the strong interest and support for this important initiative.