With livestock rearing forming a core component of Nagaland’s rural economy, where nearly 70 per cent of households depend on pigs, poultry and other animals, livestock insurance has come into focus as a key safeguard against recurring economic losses faced by farmers.
In this context, a refresher course on Livestock Insurance, Disease Diagnostics and Postmortem commenced on March 23, 2026 at Hotel Japfü, Kohima, organised in collaboration with the College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Central Agricultural University, Jalukie, Peren, and sponsored by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India.
Secretary, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, Angelina Tajen, IAS, in her keynote address said that in Nagaland, livestock is not merely an economic activity but a way of life. The practice of livestock rearing is widespread, and around 70% of Naga households keep one or more species of livestock, with pigs accounting for the majority of the sector. Poultry also plays a major role, especially in backyard systems across rural households, she added.
In this context, she said the intervention through the National Livestock Mission becomes very important. The NLM represents forward-looking and transformative initiatives focusing not just on increasing production, but also on promoting entrepreneurship, enhancing productivity, strengthening value chains and reducing risk through livestock insurance. She stated that livestock insurance is essential because the risks are real and significant, as thousands of animals and birds are affected by diseases every year. For a small farmer, the loss of even one animal can mean loss of income, food security and financial stability. Therefore, livestock insurance acts as a critical safety net, converting uncertainty into assured protection.
She also emphasised that livestock insurance is not the responsibility of a single institution. It requires government support, administrative efficiency, participation from the insurance sector and, most importantly, farmer awareness and trust. Livestock insurance is more than a scheme, it is a commitment to farmers, ensuring that their livelihoods are protected, their risks are shared and their efforts are not lost to uncertainty.
Director, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, Dr. Imomanen Tzudir, acknowledged the Government of India for sponsoring the course. He noted that the majority of the rural population is engaged in farming, including agroforestry, horticulture, livestock and poultry, often in integrated systems. He said animals play a vital role in maintaining soil fertility, which supports crop and horticultural farming.
He further pointed out that geoclimatic changes, natural disasters and emerging diseases continue to cause significant economic losses to farmers. He stressed the need to educate and encourage farmers to protect their livestock assets by availing insurance schemes.
Entrepreneur Penyüsielie Suokhrie, speaking on “Livestock Insurance: Entrepreneur’s Perspective and Feedback”, said that insurance provides protection against potential financial losses by transferring risk to an insurance company. Livestock insurance, he said, is crucial for protecting farmers against losses due to animal death caused by disease, accidents or natural calamities.
He highlighted its benefits, including financial security, risk mitigation, business continuity and improved access to credit, noting that it helps farmers rebuild herds, resume operations and strengthens overall rural livelihoods. (With DIPR inputs)