Crop damage
THE recent spell of rain, hailstorms and gusty winds has caused damage to crops, particularly wheat and mustard, in parts of Haryana, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh. The Haryana Government has opened the Kshatipurti portal, which can be accessed by the affected farmers to register their claims along with details of crop losses. Some farmers of the state have complained that the portal has its limitations as they can submit reports for damage on land up to only five acres. Opposition leaders have asked the state government to remove this upper limit so that all weather-hit growers can be compensated adequately.
Freak weather is becoming the new normal due to the all-pervasive impact of climate change, and farmers are bearing the brunt of the disruptions and disturbances that are growing in frequency as well as intensity. It is imperative for the authorities to make a prompt assessment of the farmers’ losses and provide them with timely assistance. Forcing them to wade through the red tape, especially at a time when they are facing financial problems, adds insult to injury. The procedure for filing claims and disbursing compensation should be simplified so that the applicants don’t face inconvenience.
Farmers’ increasing vulnerability has turned the spotlight on crop insurance schemes. It is important to expand the coverage of the Union Government’s Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) and Restructured Weather-Based Crop Insurance Scheme, which were launched in the 2016 kharif season to provide financial support to farmers suffering crop loss/damage due to natural calamities or adverse weather. According to the Centre, farmers have received about Rs 500 in claims for every Rs 100 paid by them as premium under the PMFBY. However, it is a matter of concern that several states have not yet adopted this scheme, including Punjab and West Bengal. Comprehensive risk insurance for both pre-harvest and post-harvest losses holds the key to safeguarding farmers from the vagaries of the weather as well as the market forces.
