Haryana, despite being one of the smallest states in India (1.3% of the total geographical area), holds a significant position on the livestock and farming map of the country. It contributes substantially to milk and wheat production. Many families, both in rural and urban areas, rely on animal husbandry as their primary source of income, selling milk, curd, and ghee obtained from their livestock.
Recognizing the challenges faced by livestock owners in the event of animal deaths, the Haryana Government initiated the Livestock Insurance Scheme on July 29, 2016. Over the past five years, 1,091,873 animals have been covered under the scheme. The number of insured animals varied over the years, with a surprising decrease in the financial year 2021-22.
Dr. LC Ranga, Managing Director of Haryana Livestock Development Board, explained that the Pandit Dindayal Upadhyay Samuhik Pashudhan Bima Yojna aims to make cattle rearing risk-free. Cattle rearers can insure their large animals by paying premiums ranging from Rs 100 to 300, depending on milk production capacity, and small animals by paying a premium of Rs 25.
In the past five years, 18,380 claims were registered, out of which 15,446 cases were settled, and a premium of Rs 93.95 crore was deposited. The beneficiaries received Rs 61.51 crore from the insurance company. Additionally, 2,934 cases are still in the settlement process, with an amount of Rs 11.68 crore expected to be released this year. As of January 19, 2024, 274,725 animals have been insured in the current financial year.
The required documents for applying to the Livestock Insurance Scheme include Aadhar Card, Ration Card, proof of residence, income certificate, caste certificate, passport-size photographs, mobile number, and bank account details.
Haryana is renowned for its ‘Murrah’ buffaloes, known as ‘black gold,’ and the dual-purpose ‘Hariana’ cow. The state has long been a primary source of Murrah germplasm for other states and countries to upgrade their low-yielding buffaloes. Upadhayat Samiti Pashudhian Bima Yojana for Financial Year 2018-19 to 2023-24 (Generated Date: 15-01-2024 at 09:10 am).