DC launches ‘Meri Policy Mere Haath’ campaign in Sirmaur

The ‘Meri Policy Mere Haath’ campaign, under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), was inaugurated by Sirmaur Deputy Commissioner Sumit Khimta at the District Commissioner’s office auditorium. As part of the campaign, nearly 25 farmers were provided with their crop insurance policies, ensuring them financial security against potential crop losses due to natural calamities.

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During the event, DC Khimta highlighted that for the rabi season, 2,724 farmers have insured their crops under the PMFBY. Out of these, 2,582 farmers have availed insurance through Kisan Credit Card (KCC) accounts, while 142 have opted for self-insurance. Similarly, under the Weather-Based Crop Insurance Scheme (WBCIS), 841 farmers have secured insurance, including 835 KCC account holders and six individual applicants. He urged farmers to utilise the scheme, emphasising that crop insurance can be easily availed through Lokmitra Kendras or the crop insurance mobile app developed by the Agriculture Department. Farmers who have taken loans through KCC-linked accounts can also insure their crops through their respective banks.

The DC added that the PMFBY serves as a safety net for farmers, protecting them against financial losses due to unpredictable weather conditions and natural disasters. He emphasised that the scheme was not just about risk coverage but also aims to make farmers self-reliant by providing them financial stability.

Agriculture Deputy Director Rajkumar, who conducted the session, informed farmers about the premium rates for different crops. For rabi crops, the payable premium is Rs 72 per bigha for wheat and Rs 60 per bigha for barley, while for kharif crops, it is Rs 96 per bigha for maize and paddy. Under the WBCIS, crops such as tomato, capsicum, broccoli, peas, cauliflower, and cabbage are covered, where farmers need to pay only five per cent of the total insured amount as a premium. He advised farmers to insure their kharif crops (maize and paddy) before the deadline of July 15 to safeguard their yield against unforeseen losses.

For further assistance, farmers in Sirmaur can contact the designated helpline numbers for their respective blocks, including Nahan (9816640065), Pachhad (9459815765), Reniuka and Shillai (8629808485), and Paonta Sahib (8219282290). Additionally, a toll-free helpline (14447) is available for any inquiries regarding the scheme.