A refresher course on Livestock Insurance Disease Diagnostics and Postmortem commenced on 23rd March 2026 at Hotel Japfü, Kohima, organized in collaboration with College of Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry Central Agriculture University (Imphal) Jalukie, Peren and sponsored by the Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, GoI.
Secretary, AH & Veterinary Services, Angelina Tajen, IAS in her keynote address said that looking in Nagaland, livestock is not merely an economic activity, it is a way of life. The practice of livestock rearing is widespread, and around70% of all Naga households keeps one or more species of livestock, with pig accounting for the majority of this sector. Poultry plays a major role too, especially in the backyard system 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 promoting entrepreneurship, enhancing productivity, strengthening value chains, and critically reducing risk through livestock insurance. She expressed that Livestock insurance is essential because the risks are real and significant, thousands of animals and birds are affected by diseases every year and we must understand that for a small farmer, the loss of even one animal can mean loss of income, loss of food security, loss of financial stability, therefore Livestock insurance act as a critical safety net converting uncertainty into assured protection.
She mentioned that livestock insurance is not the responsibility of one institution alone. It requires Government support, Administrative efficiency, Insurance sector participation and most importantly, farmer awareness and trust. Livetsock insurance is more than a scheme. It is a commitment to the farmers. A commitment that their livelihoods will be protected, their risks will be shared, their efforts will not be lost to uncertainty, she noted.
She also urged to move forward with commitment, compassion and clarity of purpose so that livestock insurance becomes a true instrument of security and confidence.
Director, AH & Veterinary Services, Dr. Imomanen Tzudir acknowledged the Government of India, Ministry of Animal Husbandry and Dairy, for generously sponsoring the course. He said that the majority of the rural populace are engaged in farming, in the agroforestry, horticrops, or livestock and poultry. In many instances, these farming are integrated, complementing each other because animals have a vital and critical role in the enrichment and maintenance of soil fertility, which is again vital for crop forestry and various horticultural farming.
He said that the global issues of geoclimatic changes, natural disasters, and emergence of various epidemics cause huge economic losses to the farmers. He therefore said that it is our responsibility to educate, provide the message, and encourage the farmers to protect their assets from any eventualities by availing the facility of insurance of the livestock inventory under the scheme offered by the government of India.
Entrepreneur, Penyüsielie Suokhrie speaking on the topic ‘Livestock Insurance: Entrepreneur’s Perspective and Feedback’ stated that Insurance is a financial arrangement that provides protection against potential financial losses by transferring risk from an individual or entity to an insurance company. Livestock insurance is crucial for protecting farmers against financial losses from animal death due to disease, accidents, or natural calamities. It acts as a safety net, ensuring the stability of rural livelihoods, facilitating herd recovery after disasters, and encouraging better veterinary management practices.
He highlighted the benefits of the insurance’s Financial Security: Safeguards against significant economic losses, preventing poverty among small and marginal farmers. Risk Mitigation: Covers risks such as disease outbreaks, floods, cyclones, and attacks by wild animals. Business Continuity: Enables farmers to rebuild herds quickly and resume operations after an insured event. Access to Credit: Provides security to financial institutions, making it easier for farmers to obtain loans.

(Siizo Kikhi, IA)