Govt trying for affordable premium under crop insurance: Agri Min

 “The issue of rising premium rates under existing crop insurance programme are being examined and we have to make efforts for bringing the premium rates at a reasonable level which could be affordable to the farmers,” he said while  addressing a national conference on crop insurance in Bhopal.

“Agriculture continues to be the mainstay of the Indian economy. It contributes 16 per cent to the GDP, provides employment to 52 <g data-gr-id="37">per cent</g> of the population and sustains over 60 <g data-gr-id="38">per cent</g> of the population. Heavy dependence on <g data-gr-id="34">weather</g> and its long production cycle, however, makes agriculture a risky economic activity,” he said.

However, the Union Minister added that despite technological and economic advancements the condition of farmers continues to be unstable due to natural calamities and fluctuations in yield as well as <g data-gr-id="29">price</g> of agricultural produce. 

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, who was also present, laid emphasis on chalking out such a crop insurance policy, under which farmers can be assured of minimum income even in contingencies and natural calamities. 

The Chief Minister said, “Insurance policy should be framed keeping in view the practical difficulties of farmers. The crop insurance policy should eliminate risk for farmers totally as agriculture is still the backbone of our economy.”

Both the union agriculture minister and Chouhan maintained that existing crop insurance schemes are impractical and not farmer-friendly. 

“A lot of time is consumed in assessing crop loss under these policies. All farmers and all crops must be covered under crop insurance scheme. There should be provision for relief to farmers even in case of failure of crop due to drought. Insurance claims should be disposed of speedily. Relief should be deposited directly in farmers’ bank accounts,” the Chief Minister added.