DAMAK: The farmers in Jhapa district paid Rs 130 million as insurance premium of their livestock in the last fiscal year.

The District Livestock Office said that a total of 2,955 cattle including 2,002 cows were insured during the period in the district. Likewise, animals being insured include buffaloes, goats and swine among others.

Out of the total premium collected, premium from the cows is the highest; slightly more than Rs 5.3 million.

The Office said that more farmers have been attracted to livestock insurance after the government started to provide grants in crop and livestock insurance scheme.

Likewise, the farmers were provided with Rs 1.7 million plus as compensation after the insured animals died in fiscal year 2070/71 BS, in the district.

The government is providing up to 75 per cent grant in livestock insurance to reduce the economic burden of farmers in case of animals’ death.

It was found that the farmers invested the same money further in animal husbandry.