Nagaland’s livestock farmers are set to benefit from a new financial safety net under the National Livestock Mission (NLM) 2025-26, with officials highlighting that the Livestock Insurance Scheme could provide crucial protection against the loss or death of animals while also improving access to bank credit for rural households.
A one-day orientation training program for para-veterinarians and farmers under the Livestock Insurance Scheme was held at the Women Welfare Hall, Jalukie Town, Peren district, on Thursday. The programme was sponsored by the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India, and implemented by the Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO), Peren.
During the technical session, Dr Suiyipeube Mpom explained that the scheme would be implemented in collaboration with the National Insurance Company Limited (NICL), India’s oldest public sector general insurance company under the Ministry of Finance.
Dr Mpom said the primary objective of the scheme is to provide financial protection to livestock owners by insuring animals against loss caused by death, thereby reducing economic vulnerability among farmers.
He added that livestock insurance would not only compensate owners for animal loss but also strengthen their ability to access bank loans by offering insured livestock as more secure assets.
Officials said the scheme covers a broad range of livestock including pigs, sheep, goats, poultry layer birds, cattle (heifer and milch), mithun and buffalo – categories highly relevant to Nagaland’s rural and agricultural economy.
Dr Mpom also briefed farmers on how to avail insurance policies, the documentation required for claims, and the importance of timely filing, stating that proper claim documents must be submitted within 14 days of livestock loss or death.
Biosecurity was another major focus of the programme, with discussions covering disease prevention, biological hazards and protection of plants and animals from harmful biological factors such as bacteria and waste contamination.
Chief Veterinary Officer, Peren, Dr Tsileu Haikube delivered the welcome and keynote address, while Dr Kekiepeu Nza proposed the vote of thanks. The programme was chaired by Dr Yovino Mekro.