The Fisheries Department, Leh, organised a day-long training-cum-awareness programme on aquaculture insurance under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY) at the Conference Hall of the Chief Animal Husbandry Officer, Leh, on September 18.

The programme was attended by progressive fish farmers from different parts of Leh district, along with field and administrative staff of the Fisheries Department. It aimed to create awareness among fish farmers about aquaculture insurance and the financial protection available against various risks associated with fish farming, particularly under the challenging climatic conditions of Ladakh.

Mohd Iftiqar Hussain, Insurance Specialist, National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB), Hyderabad, delivered a detailed presentation on the provisions of aquaculture insurance under PM-MKSSY, covering eligibility, premium incentives, insurance coverage and benefits available to fish farmers.

Representatives of the Agriculture Insurance Company also made a presentation on aquaculture insurance, explaining insurance coverage, premium structure, risk assessment, documentation, claim procedures and settlement of claims. They also addressed practical issues and queries related to insurance coverage for trout raceways and other aquaculture systems.

Speaking on the occasion, Assistant Director Fisheries, Leh, Murtaza Ali, highlighted the importance of aquaculture insurance in protecting the investments and livelihoods of fish farmers against unforeseen losses. He urged eligible fish farmers to make maximum use of the scheme and emphasised the need to expand insurance coverage to strengthen the resilience and sustainability of the fisheries sector in Ladakh.

During the programme, participants were informed about the premium incentives available under the scheme. General-category fish farmers are eligible for a 40 per cent incentive on the insurance premium paid, while SC, ST and women beneficiaries are eligible for an additional 10 per cent incentive, taking the total support to 50 per cent.

The participants were also sensitised about insurance protection against eligible risks, including floods, landslides, earthquakes, sudden temperature variations, water pollution, diseases and other unforeseen events affecting aquaculture operations.

Hussain also conducted a live demonstration of the National Fisheries Digital Platform (NFDP), explaining the registration process and procedures for availing benefits under the scheme.

The programme concluded with an interactive session during which fish farmers raised queries regarding insurance coverage, premium payment, claim settlement, documentation and risk assessment. Experts from NFDB and the Agriculture Insurance Company addressed the queries.

The Assistant Director Fisheries, Leh, urged eligible fish farmers to register on the NFDP and avail themselves of the benefits of aquaculture insurance to safeguard their investments and contribute to the sustainable development of the fisheries sector in the district.