Farmers advised to insure potato crop

Dr Bhupinder Singh, Deputy Director of Agriculture, Chamba, has advised the farmers in Bharmour, Pangi, Salooni, Tissa and Chamba blocks to insure their potato crops against natural calamities under the Weather-Based Crop Insurance Scheme (WBCIS) for the rabi season 2024-25. The insurance is available until January 31, with the agriculture insurance company authorised to implement the scheme.

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Farmers can easily register for the scheme by visiting nearby Lok Mitra Kendras, banks, Common Service Centres (CSCs) or through the official portal pmfbi.gov.in. Registration requires basic documents such as a photograph, identity proof, bank passbook and land records. For indebted farmers, their crop insurance is facilitated by the respective banks after confirming the farmer’s willingness to participate in the scheme.

The premium for potato crop insurance is Rs 500 per bigha, and in the event of crop loss due to natural causes, compensation will be provided at a maximum rate of Rs 10,000 per bigha, based on the assessed damage.

Dr Singh also mentioned that the deadline for wheat and barley crop insurance under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) for rabi 2024-25, initially set for December 15, has been extended to January 15 for indebted farmers only. The Kashma General Insurance Company has been authorised to implement the scheme for these crops.

Farmers seeking more information can contact their nearest Block Agriculture Office, the Deputy Director of Agriculture’s Office in Chamba, or reach out to the district representatives of Agriculture Insurance Company Bhupnesh Kumar on mobile number 98166-27278 and Madan Kumar of Kshema General Insurance Company on 82194-38857.