Revolutionising Crop Insurance: PM Fasal Bima Yojana's Success with Farmers
There were many difficulties in the previous crop insurance schemes - Shivraj Singh
Our government removed the anomalies in the crop insurance scheme - Chouhan
If there is delay in giving the claim, the insurance company will pay 12% penalty - Agriculture Minister
Crop damage will be assessed through remote sensing - Shivraj Singh
Farmers of the country have faith in Prime Minister Shri Modi - Shivraj Singh Chouhan
Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, while answering questions related to Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana during Question Hour in Parliament today, said that there were many difficulties in the previous crop insurance schemes, including high premiums for farmers, delays in settlement of claims, and numerous objections from farmers and farmer organisations. Chouhan highlighted that since Prime Minister Narendra Modi introduced the new Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, there has been a significant increase in farmers' confidence. Previously, only 3.51 crore applications were submitted, whereas now, 8.69 crore applications have been received. Additionally, non-loanee farmers' applications have surged from 20 lakh to 5.48 crore, with a total of 14.17 crore farmer applications to date. Farmers paid a premium of Rs 32,440 crore and received claims worth Rs 1.64 lakh crore.
Chouhan noted that the previous scheme made insurance compulsory, with banks automatically deducting the premium. However, the new scheme allows farmers to opt-in voluntarily. It also extends insurance to debt-free farmers. The scheme's coverage has expanded from 5 lakh 1 thousand hectares to 5.98 lakh hectares in 2023, covering 3.97 crore farmers. The government has simplified the scheme to ensure that farmers do not face any problems in benefiting from it.
Chouhan mentioned a key innovation under Modi's leadership, requiring at least 30% of loss assessments to be done through remote sensing. This change aims to reduce delays in claim payments. If there is a delay, the insurance company must pay a 12% penalty, credited directly to the farmer's account. Chouhan urged state governments to promptly release their share of premium subsidies to avoid delays. He explained that the central government has decoupled its share from the states', ensuring timely payments.
Chouhan stated that the PMFBY is available for every district and farmer in the country, offering three different models. The central government sets the policy, but state governments choose their preferred model. Participation in the scheme is voluntary for states. Chouhan noted that Bihar has not yet implemented PMFBY, opting instead for its own scheme to support its farmers.