Insure crops to safeguard against natural disasters: Chamba DC to farmers

Deputy Commissioner Mukesh Repaswal urged farmers in the district to take full advantage of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) and the Weather-Based Crop Insurance Scheme to safeguard themselves against losses suffered due to natural calamities. He said timely crop insurance was the most effective way to secure financial protection in the event of unexpected weather-related losses.

Repaswal said the last date for insuring wheat and barley crops for the rabi season 2025-26 was December 15. “For wheat, farmers must pay a premium of Rs 72 per bigha, while a compensation of up to Rs 4,800 per bigha will be provided in case of loss due to a natural disaster. For barley, the premium is Rs 60 per bigha and compensation up to Rs 4,000 per bigha. Farmers can insure their crops through the Lok Mitra Kendras, Common Service Centres or the official portal pmfby.gov.in by submitting their photographs, identity proofs and land records. All loanee farmers will be automatically insured by their banks unless they submit a declaration opting out,” he added.

The DC also encouraged farmers in Bharmour, Chamba, Pangi, Salooni and Tissa blocks to insure their potato, garlic and apple crops under the Weather-Based Crop Insurance Scheme for the rabi season 2025-26. The last date for insuring potato crop was January 31, for garlic, it was December 14, and for apple, it was December 20.