Assam Government Wins Top Honors for Successful Implementation of Crop Insurance Scheme
Assam’s efforts in implementing the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) have been recognized at a national level, with the state being awarded the top position among A2 classified provinces of the country. The award was presented to the state government at a national level convention of PMFBY held in Raipur, Chhattisgarh on April 14. Makibur Rahman, nodal officer, received the award on behalf of the Assam government.
Implementation of PMFBY in Assam
The PMFBY is a scheme being implemented across the country under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India. The scheme provides financial relief to farmers against possible damage caused due to natural calamities like floods, droughts, erosion, and attacks of harmful insects and diseases. The scheme has been implemented in the State of Assam since 2016, and through it, the government of Assam primarily aims to expand crop insurance in the state.
In Assam, the scheme seeks to provide insurance coverage and financial support to farmers in the event of failure of any of the notified crops due to natural calamities, pests, and diseases. The scheme also aims to stabilize the income of farmers to ensure their continuance in farming. The farmer’s share of the premium up to 1 hectare of insured area is fully subsidized by the Assam government, which means that farmers growing notified crops on up to 1 hectare of land can get crop insurance for just Rs. 1.
Black Gram, Sali Paddy, and Jute crops are notified for the Kharif season, while Summer Paddy, Potato, Sugarcane, and Rape & Mustard crops are notified for the Rabi season in Assam. The scheme is implemented at the Gaon Panchayat (GP) level as the Unit of Insurance for all the districts of Assam except districts in BTR, KAAC, and NCHAC areas. However, Block is the Insurance Unit (IU) for BTR (Kokrajhar, Chirang, Baksa, and Udalguri), KAAC (Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong), and NCHAC (Dima Hasao) areas.
The PMFBY has several benefits for farmers in Assam. Firstly, it provides insurance coverage and financial support to farmers in the event of crop failure due to natural calamities, pests, and diseases. This helps farmers to mitigate the risks associated with crop failure and other agricultural losses. Secondly, the scheme aims to stabilize the income of farmers to ensure their continuance in farming. This helps to promote the use of modern agricultural practices and technologies in the state. Thirdly, the scheme provides crop insurance at a very low premium, which makes it affordable for small and marginal farmers. Fourthly, the scheme is implemented at the Gaon Panchayat (GP) level, which makes it accessible to farmers in all districts of Assam.
Achievements of Assam in PMFBY scheme
The remarkable performance of Assam in implementing the Kharif Season Belika Scheme of 2022 and winning the first position among the A2 classified provinces of the country is a significant achievement for the state.
The success of the PMFBY in Assam is a significant step towards ensuring the welfare of farmers in the state and is a testament to the government’s commitment to the agricultural sector. The award won by the Assam government at the national level convention of PMFBY is a recognition of the state’s efforts in implementing the scheme successfully. The news has enthused the farmers of the state, and many are looking forward to availing the benefits of the scheme. The PMFBY has proved to be a game-changer for farmers in Assam and has helped them to cope with the risks associated with crop failure and other agricultural losses.
