Claim compensation before insurance scheme kicks off

Ravinder Saini

Tribune News Service

Jhajjar, July 19

Loanee farmers will now be able to claim compensation for crop loss due to heavy rain and inundation even before the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) is implemented in the state.

The Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare has taken the decision keeping in view the crop loss reported from various parts of the state due to heavy rain before the monsoon. The last date to get insurance cover under the PMFBY is July 31.

To execute the decision efficiently, the department has directed all Deputy Directors to ensure localised claim assessments are conducted immediately after receiving complaints from loanee farmers about crop loss on account of rain and inundation, say sources.

“Loanee farmers without an insurance cover will get compensation for kharif crop loss as the PMFBY has been made effective from June 13 when the notification was issued. Farmers need not worry about their crops, but will have to lodge complaints with the Agriculture Department within 48 hours of the loss,” says Rohtash, Deputy Director, Agriculture, Jhajjar.

He says six farmers in the district have already submitted complaints about crop loss due to inundation. A survey is being conducted to assess their claims, he adds.

“Since the PMFBY is mandatory for loanee farmers, the premium will be deducted automatically by banks from their accounts before the last date to pay it to the insurance company. Loanee farmers can claim compensation for their crop loss before the PMFBY becomes operational,” says Rohtash.

He adds that an insurance cover of Rs 29,000 per acre has been fixed for paddy, Rs 28,000 for cotton, Rs 145,500 for maize and Rs 13,500 for bajra while the premium is Rs 578.70 for paddy, Rs 558.47 for cotton, Rs 291.37 for maize and Rs 271.14 for bajra.

Avinash Chander Sharma, chief lead district manager, says the premium under the PMFBY will be deducted from the bank accounts of loanee farmers on July 31.