India's third-largest egg producer, fourth-largest broiler producer. A Newcastle Disease or Avian Influenza outbreak can wipe out a flock of 50,000 birds in days. the insurer Poultry Insurance covers layers, broilers, Parent Stock (PS), Grandparent Stock (GPS), backyard, and specialty birds against disease, fire, flood, and natural calamity. DAHDF / NABARD government subsidy eligible.
Rural Insurance
The Poultry Insurance Scheme is a group / flock insurance product through Probitas Insurance Brokers Ltd. (the insurer) providing financial protection to poultry farmers against the death of insured birds due to disease, accident, or natural calamity. India's poultry industry is valued at ₹1.75 lakh crore+ and employs 4–5 crore people. A single Newcastle Disease or Avian Influenza outbreak can destroy ₹40 lakh+ worth of birds within days. Probitas Insurance Brokers Pvt. Ltd. (IRDAI Lic. No. 528) is your licensed broker.
Egg-producing hens — WL, Hy-Line, BV-300, Lohmann, Kuroiler; 250–320 eggs/year
Meat birds — Cobb, Ross, Hubbard, Vencobb; 6–7 week grow-out from DOC to market
Breeder flocks — PS (₹400–₹800) and GPS (₹1,500–₹4,000+); producing hatching eggs
Specialty birds — turkey, guinea fowl, quail, duck, geese; separate per-bird values
Rural household flocks — Kadaknath, Aseel, Naked Neck, Chittagong; special provisions
DAHDF (Dept. of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries) and NABARD provide premium subsidies for small and marginal poultry farmers. State Animal Husbandry Departments provide additional subsidies in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala, Punjab, and Haryana. For contract farmers under integrators (Suguna, Venkateshwara, CP Group, Srinivasa, etc.) — the integrator may arrange group insurance for all contract flocks. Call Probitas on 022 4302 0000 to check your current subsidy eligibility and integrator group scheme options.
Who Can Apply
The first 5% of total insured flock mortality is a deductible borne entirely by the farmer — representing normal background mortality. Claims are only paid for mortality ABOVE 5% of the total flock.
Example: 10,000 birds × 5% = 500 birds deductible. If 2,000 birds die in an ND outbreak, claim is for (2,000 − 500) = 1,500 birds × per-bird SI. If only 300 birds die, mortality is within the deductible — no claim arises.
The flock must be vaccinated as per the recommended schedule for Newcastle Disease (ND), Gumboro / IBD, and Marek's Disease (for layers, PS, GPS). Vaccination records must be submitted at inception. Lapse in vaccination may void claims for those specific vaccine-preventable diseases. Submit updated records at each policy renewal / flock placement.
If actual bird count exceeds declared insured count, claims are reduced proportionally (Average Clause). Always declare actual total flock count at inception — including all sheds on the farm. Under-declaring to save premium penalises claims.
| Bird Type | Per-Bird SI Range |
|---|---|
| Commercial Layer (WL, Hy-Line, BV-300) | ₹60–₹120 per bird |
| Commercial Broiler (Cobb, Ross, Hubbard) | ₹60–₹150 per bird |
| Parent Stock (PS) — breeder birds | ₹400–₹800 per bird |
| Grandparent Stock (GPS) — elite breeders | ₹1,500–₹4,000+ per bird |
| Turkey / Quail / Duck / Guinea Fowl | ₹150–₹400 per bird |
| Backyard / Desi Poultry | ₹50–₹80 per bird |
Total SI = Per-bird SI × No. of birds declared at inception. Example: 50,000 layers at ₹90/bird = ₹45,00,000 Total SI.
Plan Comparison
Compare Layer, Broiler, PS/GPS, and Backyard plans across per-bird SI, deductible, policy period, vaccination requirements, and government scheme eligibility.
| Points of Difference | Commercial Layer | Commercial Broiler | Parent / GPS Stock | Backyard / Desi |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Newcastle Disease (ND / Ranikhet) | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes |
| Avian Influenza (AI) — disease deaths | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes |
| Gumboro / IBD, Marek's, Fowl Pox | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes |
| Fire, Lightning, Electrical Fire | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes |
| Flood / Shed Inundation / Cyclone | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes |
| Shed Structural Collapse | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes | ✘ N/A |
| Predator Attack (snake, mongoose) | ✘ No | ✘ No | ✘ No | ✔ Yes (where applicable) |
| Government-ordered AI Culling | ✘ Excluded | ✘ Excluded | ✘ Excluded | ✘ Excluded |
| Per-Bird Sum Insured | ₹60–₹120 | ₹60–₹150 | PS: ₹400–₹800 / GPS: ₹1,500–₹4,000+ | ₹50–₹80 |
| Excess Mortality Deductible | 5% of flock | 5% of flock | 5% of flock | 5% of flock |
| Policy Period | 12 months (annual) | Per cycle (6–7 weeks) | 12 months (annual) | 12 months (annual) |
| ND + Gumboro Vaccination | Mandatory | Mandatory | Full schedule mandatory | Recommended |
| DAHDF / NABARD Subsidy | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes |
| Contract Farming / Integrator | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes | ✘ No | ✘ No |
| Vet Inspection (flocks >5,000) | May be required | May be required | Required | Not required |
Coverage Under Poultry Insurance
Poultry Insurance covers three categories of flock mortality: disease death, accidental death, and natural calamity. Critical: 24-hour notification, do NOT dispose of dead birds before inspection, and understand the Avian Influenza culling exclusion.
Any unusual mass mortality event — ND outbreak, AI suspect, fire, flood, shed collapse — must be notified to Probitas on 022 4302 0000 within 24 HOURS. Do NOT dispose of dead birds before the insurer's veterinary assessor inspects them. For AI suspected: also notify the state Animal Husbandry Department immediately. Photograph dead birds and shed condition before any disposal.
Dead birds from a mass mortality event must NOT be disposed of, buried, or incinerated before the insurer's veterinary assessor / loss assessor counts and inspects the mortality. Premature disposal voids the claim. Photograph all dead birds before disposal. Note: this creates a specific tension with normal biosecurity protocols — call Probitas first for guidance on the inspection timeline.
Avian Influenza (HPAI H5N1 / H5N8) is a NOTIFIABLE DISEASE. If AI is suspected, the state Animal Husbandry Department must be notified IMMEDIATELY. Government may order culling of your entire flock. Government-ordered CULLED BIRDS are NOT covered under this insurance policy — birds that die naturally from AI disease before the culling order are covered; birds that are culled under a government order are excluded. Separate government compensation is payable at ₹200/bird for culled poultry under the DAHDF culling compensation scheme (separate from insurance).
Under the Prevention and Control of Infectious and Contagious Diseases in Animals Act, government-ordered culled birds (for AI / HPAI control) are excluded from insurance claims. DAHDF (Dept. of Animal Husbandry) compensation is payable at approximately ₹200/bird for culled poultry under the government scheme — separate from, and in addition to, any insurance claims for birds that died naturally from disease before the culling order.
Newcastle Disease (ND) and Gumboro (IBD) vaccination is mandatory. If vaccination against ND or Gumboro has lapsed at the time of an outbreak from that specific disease, the claim for that disease may be voided. Submit updated vaccination records at each flock placement or policy renewal. Vaccination is the most cost-effective risk management tool alongside insurance.
How Claims Are Calculated
Claim = (Mortality count − Deductible birds) × Per-bird SI − Compulsory Excess
Deductible birds = 5% × Total insured flock count
If mortality count ≤ deductible: No claim arises (within normal background mortality).
Total loss: (Total birds − 5% deductible) × Per-bird SI − Excess.
50,000 layers, ₹90/bird, 5% = 2,500 birds deductible
Enter your flock details to estimate the claim payable (5% deductible applies)
* Estimate only. Actual claim subject to loss assessor's verified bird count, cause certification, and policy terms. Compulsory excess assumed ₹5,000.
| Parameter | Newcastle Disease — Layer Farm | Fire — Broiler Shed (4 weeks) | Gumboro — Parent Stock |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flock Type | Commercial Layer (WL / BV-300) | Commercial Broiler (4-week grow-out) | Parent Stock (PS) broiler breeders |
| Total Flock | 50,000 birds | 10,000 birds | 5,000 birds |
| Per-Bird SI | ₹ 90 | ₹ 100 | ₹ 600 |
| Total SI | ₹ 45,00,000 | ₹ 10,00,000 | ₹ 30,00,000 |
| 5% Deductible (birds) | 2,500 birds (borne by farmer) | 500 birds (borne by farmer) | 250 birds (borne by farmer) |
| Actual Mortality | 8,000 birds (ND outbreak) | 10,000 birds (total flock in fire) | 800 birds (Gumboro) |
| Claimable Birds | 5,500 birds | 9,500 birds | 550 birds |
| Gross Claim | 5,500 × ₹90 = ₹4,95,000 | 9,500 × ₹100 = ₹9,50,000 | 550 × ₹600 = ₹3,30,000 |
| Compulsory Excess | ₹ 5,000 | ₹ 5,000 | ₹ 5,000 |
| Claim Payable | ₹ 4,90,000 | ₹ 9,45,000 | ₹ 3,25,000 |
* Illustrative only. Actual settlement depends on loss assessor's verified dead bird count, veterinary cause certification, vaccination record, and policy-specific deductible and excess. AI culled birds: excluded from insurance; DAHDF compensation applies separately.
Policy Conditions
The following 12 conditions are binding under the the insurer Poultry Insurance Scheme. Conditions 4 (24-hour notification), 5 (Do NOT dispose before inspection), and 6 (AI notifiable disease) are the most critical.
Flock Declaration at Inception: All birds must be declared: total number, breed, age/stage, shed number, and farm location. Under-declaration of bird numbers activates the Average Clause — reducing all claims proportionally.
Vaccination Schedule Compliance: Flock must be vaccinated per recommended schedule for ND, Gumboro, and Marek's disease. Vaccination records must be submitted at inception. Lapse in vaccination may void claims for those diseases.
Excess Mortality Deductible (5%): A deductible of 5% of total insured flock applies to all mortality claims. Farmer bears all mortality within the deductible. Claims paid only for mortality above the deductible threshold.
Notification Within 24 HOURS: Any unusual mass mortality event must be notified to Probitas (022 4302 0000) within 24 HOURS. For AI suspected: also notify state Animal Husbandry Dept. immediately. Do NOT dispose of dead birds before inspection.
Do NOT Dispose of Dead Birds Before Inspection: Dead birds from a mass mortality event must NOT be disposed, buried, or incinerated before the insurer's veterinary assessor counts and inspects. Premature disposal voids the claim. Photograph all dead birds first.
Avian Influenza (AI) — Special Condition: AI (HPAI H5N1/H5N8) is notifiable — notify state AH Dept. immediately. Government-ordered culled birds are excluded from insurance claims. DAHDF compensation applies separately for culled birds.
Government Culling Exclusion: Birds ordered culled by government (for AI or other disease control) are NOT covered as "deaths" under this policy. DAHDF compensation scheme applies for culled birds at approximately ₹200/bird (separate from insurance).
Average Clause — Stocking Density: If actual bird count exceeds declared insured number, claims are reduced proportionally. Always declare actual total flock count at inception. Overcrowding beyond declared density also voids mortality from overstocking.
Periodic Inspection: The insurer may conduct periodic flock inspections — especially for large flocks above 10,000 birds. Farmer must provide shed access and flock records (vaccination, feed intake, mortality log) on request.
Rolling / Continuous Cover: Layer flocks: insured from housing to destocking (typically 12-month annual policy). Broiler: per-cycle policy — 6–7 weeks from DOC placement to market. New policy / endorsement required for each broiler cycle.
Integrator / Contract Farming: For contract farmers under integrators (Suguna, CP, Venkateshwara, etc.), the policy may be arranged by the integrator as group insurance — all contract flocks insured together. Contact Probitas for integrator group arrangements.
Government Scheme Integration: For DAHDF / NABARD subsidy-linked policies, the SI, premium rate, and subsidy caps are per the current government notification. Farmers must be registered with their state Animal Husbandry Department.
How to File a Claim
Poultry claims require the insurer's veterinary assessor to count and inspect dead birds before disposal. For AI: both the insurer and state AH Dept. must be notified. 24-hour notification is critical. Call 022 4302 0000.
For AI suspected or confirmed: (1) Notify Probitas on 022 4302 0000 within 24 hours — insurer's vet assessor visits to document birds that died from disease before government culling order; (2) Notify state Animal Husbandry Dept. immediately — govt. vet conducts AI investigation; (3) If culling is ordered: culled birds are excluded from insurance; DAHDF compensation applies. Insurance claim covers only birds that died naturally from AI disease before the culling order was issued.
Call Probitas on 022 4302 0000 within 24 hours of any mass mortality event. Do NOT dispose of dead birds. Photograph dead birds and shed condition. For AI suspected: also notify state Animal Husbandry Dept. immediately. For fire: lodge a Police FIR.
Insurer appoints a veterinary assessor / livestock loss assessor who visits the farm — counts and verifies dead birds, assesses cause of death (disease diagnosis / accident / calamity), collects samples for lab diagnosis (AI, ND), and issues a Veterinary / Loss Assessment Report with verified dead bird count.
Claim Form, Policy doc, Flock declaration / stocking records, Vaccination records (ND, Gumboro, Marek's), Vet / Loss Assessment Report, Photographs of dead birds and shed, State AH Dept. disease report (if AI / notifiable), Police FIR (if fire), Feed and medicine purchase records, Bank details for NEFT.
Claim = (Mortality above 5% deductible × Per-bird SI) − Compulsory Excess. AI culled birds: excluded; DAHDF compensation separate. Payment by NEFT within 30 days of complete documents per IRDAI TAT norms.
Common Questions about Poultry Insurance
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