Limited awareness slows uptake of National Crop and Livestock Insurance scheme

2026-03-17 - 11:02

Almost four months after the launch of the National Crop and Livestock Insurance Scheme, only six farmers have signed up. Many say limited awareness remains the main reason. The scheme covers pilot commodities such as maize, potato, rice, orange, poultry, piggery, and cattle. The government subsidises half of the insurance premium. Premium rates stand at 5.8 per cent for maize, potato, rice, and orange, 6 per cent for poultry and piggery, and 10 per cent for cattle. For example, if a Jersey cow is valued at Nu 100,000, a 10 per cent premium amounts to Nu 10,000. With the government covering half, farmers pay only Nu 5,000. However, many farmers say they still do not fully understand how the scheme works. “If we only have to contribute a small amount, we can manage. But if it is too much, it will be difficult. No one has properly explained the scheme to us, although it seems beneficial,” said Ngawang Choden from Kanglung, Trashigang. Thinley from Samdrup Jongkhar said, “I have not heard about this scheme. It could help us, especially since wild animals often attack our cattle.” Rinzin from Samdrup Jongkhar said, “We were told we only need to pay 50 per cent, but we have not yet taken up the scheme.” “I am not aware of the scheme. Once I understand it, I plan to enrol. Wildlife conflict and erratic weather often damage our crops, so this could help,” said Tandin Wangmo from Tsangkha Gewog, Dagana. “Last year’s hailstorm destroyed our orange orchard. Insurance could have made a big difference. But there has been little awareness here,” said Mon Bahadur Dahal from Gosarling Gewog, Tsirang. “People do not fully understand how the scheme covers crops and supports farmers during difficult times. We are now working to raise awareness in our gewog,” said Phangyul Mangmi Kinley Dendup, Wangdue Phodrang. Records show that natural disasters and wildlife conflicts continue to damage crops across the country. In October 2021, heavy rainfall affected more than 2,500 acres of paddy, causing losses of around 2,400 metric tonnes across 17 districts. Between 1996 and 2021, authorities also reported outbreaks of 13 notifiable animal diseases nationwide. Agriculture and Livestock Minister Younten Phuntsho said awareness remains a key challenge. “While we have tried our best, we have not been able to reach every nook and corner of the country.” The ministry recently held a virtual meeting with Dzongdags and agriculture and livestock officials to strengthen outreach through local governments. “I encourage farmers to consult their local governments, especially gewog, livestock, and agriculture extension officers, who have been instructed to create awareness and support enrolment,” said the minister. With climate risks and wildlife conflicts continuing to threaten farming, the success of the scheme will depend on how quickly farmers understand and make use of it. Devika Pradhan Edited by Sangay Chezom