Insurance scheme for wheat, barley to continue

Tribune News Service

Shimla, November 1

The state government has decided to continue with the national agricultural insurance scheme for the rabi season for wheat and barley crops on the existing patterns after the Centre’s nod. The last date for sending proposal is January 31, 2016, for non-loanee farmers and March 31, 2016, for loanee farmers.

According to the state government spokesperson, Agriculture Insurance Company of India Ltd is the implementing agency and crop insurance will cover 44 units in Bilaspur, Chamba, Hamirpur, Kangra, Kinnaur, Kullu, Mandi, Shimla, Sirmaur, Solan and Una districts for wheat crop, while 20 units in Chamba, Kangra, Kinnaur, Kullu, Mandi, Shimla, Sirmaur and Solan districts for barley crop.

The risks covered under the scheme will be natural fire and lightning, storm, hailstorm, cyclone, typhoon, tempest, hurricane, tornado, drought, dry spells and pests or diseases.

The scheme is compulsory for the farmers availing loans from commercial banks, cooperative banks, regional rural banks and primary agricultural cooperatives for the insured crops. For the non-loanee farmers, it is optional.

Small and marginal farmers are eligible for 50 per cent government subsidy on the total premium. The 45 per cent is the state share and 5 per cent Central share and farmers will pay only 50 per cent of the total premium payable.

Banks will also ensure that the claims amount is released or disbursed to the beneficiaries within a fortnight from the date of receipt of claims amount from the implementing agency. The district-level bankers committee will monitor the progress of this scheme in its periodical meetings.