The centre’s flagship programme, the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) or PM crop insurance scheme, will cover 30.14 million hectares (mh) in 2023, a 12 percent increase from the same period last year. The largest increase was seen in Maharashtra, which saw 39% below normal rainfall in August.
Maharashtra’s insured area nearly doubled to 11.4 million hectares (mh) after the state government decided to bear the premium, compared with other major states such as Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. Almost at the same level as last year. But insurers are now waiting for rains in September as the deficit across India hit 35% in August, threatening crops in many regions.
Registration ends
“Registration of farmers in almost all states except Jammu and Kashmir has been completed, although some additions may be made during the data compilation process,” an official said. end of day.
The insured area of non-loan farmers increased significantly, with its insured area increasing by 71% to 14.25 mh, while the insured area of loan farmers was 15.89 mh, down 15% from the same period last year.
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Also read: Farmer Portal: How to Get Crop Insurance?
Official sources attribute the trend to the Maharashtra government’s decision to subsidize crop insurance premiums for farmers, allowing coverage at only Rs 1 crore, which has increased coverage, while Haryana’s July remaining The rains were mostly irrigation, so fewer people were insured.
Haryana had 1,53,935 hectares insured this season compared to 8,57,866 hectares in the same period last year. Karnataka’s insured area stood at 1.81 mh compared to 1.89 mh in the same period last year, although the rainfall deficit in August is now at 74%.
“In the current situation where the possibility of drought has increased, PMFBY will definitely help farmers implementing the scheme,” said an official of the Ministry of Agriculture.
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Also read: Weather stations to be set up at every panchayat under PM crop insurance scheme
India’s monsoon rainfall this season since June 1 is 91% of its long-term average as of August 30, the India Meteorological Department said. The Bureau of Meteorology expects normal rainfall throughout the June-September season, between 96% and 104% of the 87 cm LPA. This means that rainfall in September is critical and must be 16-17% above normal for the season to reach normal with at least 96% precipitation.
production may drop
“The IMD is due to publish its September rainfall outlook on Thursday, and what crop insurance claims might look like, as productivity in rain-fed regions is sure to drop due to prolonged drought,” said an official source. The main rice producing areas have received good rainfall and crops in these areas may not be affected.
Gujarat had the highest rainfall deficit of 90% during 1-30 August without PMFBY. Farmers could be rescued if they join the central plan this year, officials say. Officials said crops were first affected by Cyclone Bipajoy, followed by a dry spell.
