August declared Pig Insurance Month to support farmers affected by swine fever

The Agricultural and Agrarian Insurance Board has declared August as Pig Insurance Month to promote a new insurance scheme for farmers affected by African swine fever.

The scheme was introduced following a decision by the Presidential Task Force to strengthen Sri Lanka’s pig farming sector and reduce losses caused by disease outbreaks.

Officials said the campaign would encourage farmers to insure breeding pigs and increase participation in the programme.

The scheme covers breeding animals kept at commercial pig farms registered with the Department of Animal Production and Health.

It provides compensation for deaths caused by African swine fever, accidents and other diseases affecting pigs.

Breeding pigs aged between six months and four years are eligible for annual coverage, with a maximum insured value of Rs. 200,000 per animal.

Farmers can obtain further information from district offices of the Agricultural and Agrarian Insurance Board, veterinary offices and animal development advisory officers, or by calling hotline 1918.