Sri Lanka's Agricultural and Agrarian Insurance Board has introduced a dedicated insurance programme for swine farmers affected by African Swine Fever, with August designated as Pig Insurance Month to encourage participation.
The Agricultural and Agrarian Insurance Board has unveiled a pig insurance scheme designed to mitigate financial losses faced by farmers dealing with the African Swine Fever outbreak. The initiative was established following recommendations from the Presidential Task Force, which identified the need to bolster the swine farming sector and reduce disease-related economic damage.
The insurance programme targets breeding pigs maintained at commercially registered swine farms across the country. Eligible animals must be between six months and four years of age, with coverage capped at Rs. 200,000 per animal on an annual basis. The scheme provides protection against deaths resulting from African Swine Fever, as well as losses from accidents and other pig-related diseases.
August has been designated as Pig Insurance Month to raise awareness and boost farmer participation in the programme. Officials indicated that the focus is on encouraging broader adoption of the insurance coverage among the farming community. Farmers interested in enrolling can seek assistance through their nearest Agricultural and Agrarian Insurance Board district office, veterinary offices, or animal development advisory officers. A dedicated hotline, 1918, has also been established to provide information and support to interested applicants.
