The process for insuring agricultural crops under Pradhana Mantrhi Fasal Bima Yojana is expected to commence in the state soon, while the date for payment of insurance amount is approaching. The farmers are expressing concern over the delay as heavy rains are expected during the Kharif season in the coming months. Farmers say they have incurred heavy losses due to the rain and floods last month.
They lost the plants they transplanted and the nurseries were flooded. According to the scheme, the state government and the farmer bear 25 per cent of the premium amount and the remaining by the central government. The YSRC government had, in its first year, collected a token of Rs 1 from each farmer.
Later, the government paid the farmer’s share and did the insurance for their farms free of cost. Last year, the YSRC government floated an insurance company, but the central government did not recognise this. Hence, the farmers could not claim the insurance amount.
“As per norms, the state government should invite bids from insurance companies district-wise after completing the E-crop record process. Claims are based on the crop variety. The period for payment of insurance amount for the Kharif season will be up to the end of August.
The government did not invite tenders for the insurance so far,’’ said T Gopalakrishna, state convener of Bharatiya Agro and Economic Research Centre. He said farmers are anxious as there will be heavy rain and floods in the coming months and there.
