Dudharu Pashu Bima Yojana is a Bihar Government scheme launched under Saat Nishchay-2 to insure milch animals and reduce financial risk for livestock owners. Under this scheme, farmers can insure cows and buffaloes up to ₹60,000 for only ₹346 per year, with the government covering 75% of the premium, making animal insurance affordable and accessible.
Bihar Dudharu Pashu Bima Yojana Highlights | |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Dudharu Pashu Bima Yojana |
| Date of Launch | Not Officially Specified. |
| Benefits Provided |
|
| Eligible Beneficiaries | All categories of livestock owners in Bihar (no income or caste restriction) |
| Responsible Department | Directorate of Dairy Development, Bihar |
| How to Apply | Online through Dairy Portal (MIS system) |
Introduction of Bihar Dudharu Pashu Bima Yojana: A Brief Insight
The Bihar Government introduced Dudharu Pashu Bima Yojana under the Saat Nishchay-2 program to protect livestock owners from financial loss caused by the death of milch animals. Through this scheme, the government shares a major portion of the insurance premium, making it affordable for farmers to secure their dairy animals.
The Directorate of Dairy Development under the Animal & Fisheries Resources Department implements this scheme across all districts of Bihar. It supports dairy farmers, small livestock owners, and rural households who depend on milch animals for regular income.
The scheme focuses on reducing financial risk in dairy activities by covering losses caused by diseases such as Lumpy Skin Disease and HSBQ, along with other causes of death. By ensuring insurance coverage, the government helps livestock owners continue their dairy operations without facing sudden economic setbacks.
Under the Dudharu Pashu Bima Yojana, livestock owners can insure each milch animal up to ₹60,000 by paying only ₹346 per year, while the Bihar Government pays the remaining premium. The insurance remains valid for one year and requires proper verification, health certification, and tagging of the animal.
Any livestock owner in Bihar can apply to insure healthy milch animals under this scheme. Applicants must ensure that the animal is certified fit by a veterinary doctor and undergoes data ear tagging for identification and claim purposes.
Applicants can apply online through the Official Dairy Development Portal of Bihar by submitting the required details and documents. After the application, the concerned authority verifies the animal and completes the insurance process through the selected insurance company.
If applicants need assistance, they can contact the Directorate of Dairy Development or visit their nearest District Dairy Development Office (DDDO) for guidance related to applications and claims.
This scheme works as a financial safety layer for dairy farmers, while schemes like the Samagra Gavya Vikas Yojana and Samagra Bhains Palan Yojana and Desi Gaupalan Protsahan Yojana focus on setting up new dairy units. Applicants who want to improve their skills before starting or expanding dairy activities can also explore the Gavya Prashikshan Yojana for training support.
You can also check more such schemes in our All Welfare Schemes List of Bihar Government section to find the most suitable option.
Latest Update on Bihar Dudharu Pashu Bima Yojana (2026-27)
The Directorate of Dairy Development has published the official guidelines for Dudharu Pashu Bima Yojana FY 2025-26 on the portal at dairy.bihar.gov.in. The scheme is implemented under Saat Nishchay-2, the flagship Seven Commitments-2 programme of the Bihar Government. A significant improvement in FY 2025-26 is the reduction of the insurance premium rate from 3.5% (FY 2023-24) to 2.31%, due to which the annual premium per animal has come down from Rs. 2,100/- to Rs. 1,386/-. This means the beneficiary’s share has reduced from Rs. 525/- to just Rs. 346/- per animal per year.
On 8 March 2026, the Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar officially announced a further enhanced version of the scheme, under which the government proposes to pay 85% of the premium, covering 11 types of animals including cow, buffalo, goat, sheep, pig, rabbit, horse, donkey, mule, camel, and yak, with maximum cover of Rs. 50,000/- per animal through ICICI Lombard General Insurance, with up to 10 livestock units per family. The official guidelines for this enhanced version are expected to be published on dairy.bihar.gov.in shortly.
Benefits Provided to Eligible Beneficiaries
Under the Dudharu Pashu Bima Yojana, the Bihar Government pays 75% of the insurance premium, allowing livestock owners to insure each milch animal worth up to ₹60,000 by paying only ₹346 per year.
- The Bihar Government pays 75% insurance premium.
- The beneficiary pays only ₹346 per animal per year.
- The scheme covers each milch animal up to ₹60,000.
- The scheme protects livestock owners from financial loss if the insured animal dies.
- The insurance covers diseases like Lumpy Skin Disease and HSBQ.
- The scheme helps livestock owners recover losses without bearing the full cost.
- The scheme supports continuity of dairy activities after animal loss.
Complete Premium Calculation
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Maximum insured value per milch animal | Rs. 60,000/- |
| Insurance premium rate | 2.31% of insured value |
| Total annual premium per animal | Rs. 1,386/- |
| Bihar Government pays (75%) | Rs. 1,040/- |
| Beneficiary pays (25%) | Rs. 346/- per animal per year |
Note: The above premium figures are as per the official FY 2025-26 guidelines published by the Directorate of Dairy Development at dairy.bihar.gov.in. As of March 2026, the Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar has announced a revised scheme with 85% government subsidy. See the Latest Update section above for full details.
How the Scheme Has Improved Over the Years
The Dudharu Pashu Bima Yojana has been progressively improved by the Bihar Government to make animal insurance more affordable. The following comparison shows the key changes between FY 2023-24 and FY 2025-26 :
| Item | FY 2023-24 | FY 2025-26 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum value per animal | Rs. 60,000/- | Rs. 60,000/- | No change |
| Premium rate | 3.5% | 2.31% | Reduced significantly |
| Total annual premium | Rs. 2,100/- | Rs. 1,386/- | Reduced by Rs. 714/- |
| Government pays (75%) | Rs. 1,575/- | Rs. 1,040/- | Reduced proportionately |
| Beneficiary pays (25%) | Rs. 525/- | Rs. 346/- | Reduced by Rs. 179/- |
This reduction in premium rate shows the government’s commitment to making animal insurance progressively more accessible. Animal keepers now pay Rs. 179/- less per animal per year compared to FY 2023-24.
Eligibility Conditions Required to be Fulfilled
Under the Dudharu Pashu Bima Yojana, animal keepers of Bihar can insure their healthy milch animals, provided they meet the following conditions:
- Applicant must be a resident of Bihar.
- All categories of livestock owners are eligible (no income or caste restriction).
- Only milch animals (cows and buffalo) are covered under the scheme.
- The animal must be healthy at the time of insurance.
- A valid veterinary health certificate is required.
- The animal must be tagged with a data ear tag for identification.
Members of milk producer cooperative societies are given preference during selection under this scheme.
Documents Required to be Attached
To ensure a milch animal under Dudharu Pashu Bima Yojana, applicants need to submit the following documents at the time of application and verification:
- Aadhaar card of the livestock owner.
- Recent passport-size photograph.
- Bank passbook copy.
- Veterinary health certificate of the animal (mandatory).
- Animal identification details (for ear tagging).
After insurance approval, the insurance company attaches a data ear tag to the animal. The beneficiary must ensure its safety, as it is required for verification and claim settlement.
How Beneficiaries Can Apply to Avail the Benefit of this Scheme
Under the Dudharu Pashu Bima Yojana, applicants apply online through the official Dairy Development Portal of Bihar to insure their milch animals.
Step 1: Visit the official portal and select the option for animal insurance.
Step 2: Register using your mobile number, Aadhaar details, and basic personal information.
Step 3: Log in to your account and select Dudharu Pashu Bima Yojana.
Step 4: Enter animal details such as type, age, and identification information.
Step 5: Upload required documents, including Aadhaar, bank passbook, and veterinary health certificate.
Step 6: Submit the application and keep the reference details for tracking.
Step 7: The concerned authority verifies the animal and documents at the district level.
Step 8: The insurance company insures the animal and attaches a data ear tag for identification.
Step 9: The applicant pays their share of premium (₹346 per animal) to complete the insurance process.
Important: Applicants can also contact their nearest District Dairy Development Office (DDDO) for assistance in the application and verification.
Important Links Available
- Dairy Development Portal, Bihar.
- Apply Online for Dudharu Pashu Bima Yojana.
- Bihar Dudharu Pashu Bima Yojana Guidelines.
Contact Details in Case of Help Needed
If you need any assistance regarding the Dudharu Pashu Bima Yojana, you can contact the concerned department or visit your district office for support.
- Department: Dairy, Fisheries and Animal Resources Department, Government of Bihar
- Directorate: Directorate of Dairy Development, Bihar
- Toll-Free Number: 18003456681
- Mobile Number: 9471007445
- Email ID: directordairy@gmail.com
- Contact Page:
Click Here - District Support: Visit your nearest District Dairy Development Office (DDDO) for local assistance
Applicants should contact their district office to get help with applications, verification, and insurance-related queries.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. What is Dudharu Pashu Bima Yojana?
Ans. Dudharu Pashu Bima Yojana is a Bihar Government scheme that allows livestock owners to insure their milch animals against financial loss due to death.
Q. How much premium do I need to pay under this scheme?
Ans. You need to pay only about ₹346 per animal per year, while the Bihar Government pays the remaining premium.
Q. How much subsidy does the government provide on the insurance premiums?
Ans. The Bihar Government pays 75% of the insurance premium under the current official guidelines.
Q. What is the maximum insurance coverage per animal?
Ans. You can insure each milch animal up to a maximum value of ₹60,000.
Q. Which animals are covered under this scheme?
Ans. This scheme covers only milch animals such as cows and buffaloes under the current guidelines.
Q. What happens if the insured animal dies?
Ans. The insurance company compensates the livestock owner based on the insured value of the animal after verification.
Q. Is a veterinary certificate required for insurance?
Ans. Yes, you must provide a veterinary health certificate to ensure the animal under this scheme.
Q. Is ear tagging mandatory under this scheme?
Ans. Yes, the insurance company attaches a data ear tag to the animal, and you must keep it safe for identification and claims.
Q. How long is the insurance valid?
Ans. The insurance remains valid for 1 year, after which you need to renew it.
Q. How can I apply for this scheme?
Ans. You can apply online through the Official Dairy Development Portal or via the MIS portal.
Q. Is it true that the government pays 85% premium?
Ans. The current official guidelines mention 75% subsidy. However, recent announcements indicate a proposal to increase support up to 85%, which may apply under updated versions of the scheme.
Tabassum is a government schemes researcher and writer with 5 years of experience tracking Central and State welfare programmes across India. She has covered 500+ schemes spanning agriculture, women welfare, education, and housing, helping lakhs of beneficiaries understand their entitlements in simple language.