Officials of AH & VS Department, Advisor Temjenmenba, village leaders, farmers and beneficiaries at the launching programme of the Livestock Insurance Scheme for 29 Jangpetkong Assembly Constituency at Khar Village Council Hall on May 9. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Khar | May 9
The Department of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services, Government of Nagaland, launched the Livestock Insurance Scheme for 29 Jangpetkong Assembly Constituency at the Council Hall, Khar village, on May 9.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr Kuokehebi Gwirie, Director of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services, said the scheme was launched after much deliberation for the welfare of villagers and livestock farmers. He informed that all insured animals would be provided with individual ear tags and only vaccinated animals would be eligible under the scheme.
Dr Gwirie stated that Nagaland currently has more than four lakh pigs, while the number of cattle in the state, which earlier stood between one lakh to 1.2 lakh, has been declining. He explained that the state keeps track of livestock numbers through vaccine dose records and said there are specified allocations for vaccine distribution.
Highlighting the Livestock Insurance Scheme under the National Livestock Mission (NLM), he said the initiative is being implemented across India to protect farmers from financial losses caused by livestock deaths. Under the scheme, farmers are required to contribute only 15 percent of the premium, while the remaining 85 percent is subsidized by the Centre and State governments. The scheme covers cattle, buffaloes, sheep, goats, and pigs.
He further stated that although there are fixed amounts prescribed for claim settlements, market value of the animals would also be considered. He added that officers are being trained to ensure that deserving beneficiaries are not deprived of their claims.
Speaking on the entrepreneurship perspective of livestock insurance, piggery entrepreneur Imtiakum from Dibuia shared his views on the importance of securing livestock investments and encouraging scientific livestock farming practices.
Addressing the gathering, Special Guest and Nagaland Advisor for Transport and Technical Education, Temjenmenba, described the occasion as a significant day for the people of 29 Jangpetkong Assembly Constituency. He said Nagas are among the highest consumers of meat, but livestock farmers often suffer heavy losses due to recurring diseases and outbreaks, affecting their livelihoods and aspirations.
Temjenmenba also announced that he would bear the 15 percent premium contribution required from farmers for the first year across the constituency through the LADP fund. He also declared that Khar village would serve as the central hub for implementation of the initiative in the constituency.
He observed that many farmers still practice traditional farming methods without scientific or technological inputs, but said change was inevitable and necessary. Referring to the insurance initiative as a blessing for the constituency, he encouraged villagers to embrace vaccination and scientific livestock management practices.
He also noted that some farmers remain hesitant about vaccination due to misconceptions that it is unnatural, but clarified that such fears are unfounded. He urged farmers to avail the scheme, emphasizing that it would effectively be free of cost for them during the first year.
Temjenmenba further appealed to the department officials and insurance companies to patiently guide villagers and simplify procedures so that farmers could easily access the benefits of the scheme. He expressed hope that the initiative would strengthen the rural economy and bear positive results in the future.
