Amid the intensifying farmer's protest across the nation, the government has decided to take a major move towards crop insurance. As per sources, crop damage by wildlife is being included as add-on coverage under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) in a major move to handle human-wildlife conflict. Now, farmers can easily apply for the damage caused by wildlife and get insurance for that.
Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) that was launched in 2016 replaces all the prevailing yield insurance schemes in India.
PMFBY
PMFBY is a central government scheme that compensates growers with interest for the loss of crop because of unseasonal or excessive rainfall. With the aim to help farmers affected from natural disasters or sudden change in weather.
NTCA writes to field directors regarding add-on coverage
According to reports, National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has written to all the field directors of tiger reserves to consider providing add-on coverage for crop depredation to farmers in areas near the reserves where the risk is substantial and identifiable.
“The add-on coverage will be optional for the farmers and applicable notional premium will be borne by the farmer. However, the state governments may consider providing additional subsidy on this coverage, wherever notified,” said NTCA officials.
The detailed protocol and procedure for evaluation of bids have been prepared by the government in consultation with MoEFCC and the insurance company.
Moreover, forest officials said that though states already pay crop damage compensation, damage caused by wild animals has been incorporated in the guidelines as per the suggestions received from various states. If the scheme is implemented, farmers will have to contribute to get compensation,” said forest officials.
“A panel set up in Maharashtra to suggest steps to curb crop damage too had recommended this step,” they said.
