Sometimes, when I visit my village, I see how much effort and love people put into caring for their animals. Livestock is more than just a livelihood—it’s a part of their family and heritage. But what happens when these animals face unexpected dangers or losses? That’s where the Pashu Bima Yojana steps in, offering a crucial financial safety net for livestock owners.
Let’s dive into how this scheme works, its benefits, and how you can make the most of it.
What is Pashu Bima Yojana?
The Pashu Bima Yojana, or Livestock Insurance Scheme, is a government initiative designed to protect farmers and animal rearers from unexpected financial losses due to the death or disability of their animals. It’s like having health insurance for your cattle!
Initially launched in Bihar, this scheme has been adapted by other states with varying benefits and coverage options to support their livestock farmers.
Why Should You Care About This Scheme?
As we know, raising livestock isn’t easy. Diseases, accidents, or natural disasters can strike without warning, leading to huge losses. With this Pashu Bima Yojana, you will get:
- Financial Compensation: In case your insured animal dies or suffers a disability, the insurance covers the financial loss.This saves you from the burden at that time.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing your animals are insured lets you focus on their care and productivity.
- Encouragement for Better Care: Insurance incentivizes owners to maintain proper hygiene and health practices for their livestock. Insurance incentives are rewards or discounts offered by insurers to encourage safe behavior, insured loyalty, or reduced claim risks.
Key Benefits of Pashu Bima Yojana
- Coverage: The scheme typically covers cattle like cows, buffaloes, bulls, and even exotic and crossbred animals.
- Premium Subsidy: A significant portion of the insurance premium is subsidized by the government, making it affordable for small-scale farmers.
- In this scheme, the maximum value of each milch cattle is fixed at Rs 60,000/-. The total insurance amount is calculated at a rate of 3.5%, which comes to Rs 2,100/-. Of this, 75% (i.e., Rs 1,575) will be provided as a grant by the state government, and the remaining 25% (i.e., Rs 525) will be paid to the insurance company by the livestock farmer.
- Comprehensive Protection: Coverage includes death due to disease, accidents, or natural calamities.
- Simple Claim Process: Farmers can easily file claims with minimal documentation.
How to Enroll in Pashu Bima Yojana
Getting your livestock insured under this scheme is straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Required Documents for Registration and Application
- Valid Aadhaar Number
- Milk Producer Society membership receipt
- Passport-sized photograph of the proposer
- Active mobile number for OTP verification
Step 1: Registration Process (First Time Users)
Before applying, you must first register on the website.
- Go to https://misdairy.bihar.gov.in/Registration/Register
- Enter the Required Details like Name, Date of birth, Aadhaar number.
- Submit Registration Form via OTP (use active mobile number).
- Get Your Login Password:
- After you successfully register, the website will send you a password on your registered mobile number. This password is important and you’ll need it to log in later.
Step 2: Application Process (After Registration)
Once you have registered, you can start the application process. Here’s how:
- Log in to the Website:
- Visit the login page here: https://misdairy.bihar.gov.in/
- Login with mobile number you used during registration and OTP.
- Check Your Pre-filled Information:
- After logging in, the portal will automatically display your pre-registered details, such as your mobile number, district, block, and PIN code. This information is locked and cannot be changed.
- Fill in Your Proposer’s Details:
- Enter the full name of the proposer, select the proposer’s occupation, and choose their qualification from the provided options.
- Upload Documents:
- Upload a scanned copy of the Milk Producer Society membership receipt and a passport-sized photograph of the proposer.
- Submit Your Application:
- Once all details are filled in and documents uploaded, click “Submit” to complete the application.
What Happens in Case of a Claim?
Here’s how to file a claim if your insured animal meets an unfortunate event:
- Inform the Insurance Company: As soon as an unfortunate event occurs, contact your insurance provider right away to inform them about the situation.
- Get a Veterinary Certificate: You’ll need to get a post-mortem report or certificate from a registered veterinarian. This is required for the claim process.
- Submit Your Documents: Gather all the necessary documents, including your insurance policy details, the veterinary certificate, and any other required forms, and submit them to the insurance company.
- Receive Compensation: After the insurance company verifies all the details, the claim amount will be credited directly to your bank account.
- Maintain Records: Keep all insurance-related documents safe.
- Ensure Regular Health Checks: This not only helps prevent diseases but also ensures your claims are honored.
- Understand Coverage Exclusions: Know what is and isn’t covered to avoid surprises during claims.
Major State and Central Government Livestock Insurance Schemes
Here’s a look at key livestock insurance schemes across India, including their unique features and benefits:
| Scheme Name | Region | Coverage | Government Support | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pashu Bima Yojana (Bihar) | Bihar | Cows, buffaloes, hybrid cattle | Up to 50% subsidy on premiums | Small and marginal farmers |
| Livestock Insurance Scheme (Rajasthan) | Rajasthan | Cows, buffaloes, camels, sheep | Up to 70% subsidy on premiums | Farmers and livestock owners |
| Maharashtra Livestock Insurance Scheme | Maharashtra | Indigenous and exotic cattle | 50% subsidy on premiums | Dairy and livestock farmers |
| Tamil Nadu Livestock Insurance Scheme | Tamil Nadu | Cows, buffaloes | Premium subsidy by government | Dairy cooperative members |
| Central Livestock Insurance Scheme | Pan India | Cattle, buffaloes, sheep, goats | 50% premium subsidy | Farmers across India |
For more detailed information on other Indian government insurance schemes, you can visit our comprehensive guide to Indian government insurance schemes.
Sources
- Official Bihar dairy Website
- Toll Free Number: 1800-345-6681
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which animals are eligible for insurance under the scheme?
Generally, cows, buffaloes, bulls, and even exotic or crossbred livestock are eligible for coverage. The specific eligibility may vary by state.
What is the premium subsidy provided under the scheme?
The government typically offers a 50% to 70% subsidy on insurance premiums depending on the region and type of livestock.
Can I insure more than one animal under the scheme?
Yes, you can insure multiple animals. However, each animal may require separate documentation.
Are natural disasters covered under the scheme?
Yes, coverage generally includes loss due to natural disasters, diseases, and accidents.
How long does it take to receive compensation after filing a claim?
Once all documentation is verified, compensation is typically processed within a few weeks.
Do I need to provide any proof of ownership for my livestock?
Yes, proof of ownership and photographs of the animal are generally required during enrollment.
What is excluded from the insurance coverage?
Intentional harm, certain pre-existing conditions, and neglect-related losses are typically excluded.
Where can I apply for this scheme?
You can apply at your nearest veterinary office or through state-specific portals.
Why Trust Pashu Bima Yojana?
The scheme is backed by the Government of Bihar and implemented in partnership with reputed insurance providers. It’s designed to support rural livelihoods and strengthen India’s agricultural sector.
Conclusion
If you’re a livestock owner, the Pashu Bima Yojana is a must-consider scheme. It not only safeguards your animals but also your financial stability. Don’t wait until it’s too late ensure your livestock today and reap the benefits of a worry-free farming experience.
In my point of view, here’s why every livestock owner in Bihar should consider this scheme:
- If you have cows or other livestock in Bihar but haven’t taken any insurance, you’re risking unexpected financial losses.
- Think about situations like heavy rains or road accidents — such incidents can harm your livestock and leave you struggling financially.
- This scheme provides compensation for such losses, helping you recover without draining your savings.
- The premium is affordable, so you can protect your cows without spending too much.
- Whether you’re a small farmer in rural Bihar or someone managing a dairy farm, this scheme ensures you don’t bear the full loss alone.
- The claim process is simple, ensuring you get the support when you need it most.
- If you haven’t insured your livestock yet, this scheme is a smart step to protect your livelihood in Bihar’s unpredictable conditions.
The updates from Bihar’s 2023-24 scheme and other state-specific initiatives make these schemes farmer-friendly and accessible. For more information, contact your nearest veterinary office or visit the respective state government websites.