Despite a late start, the Tamil Nadu government aims to keep 25 lakh farmers enrolled and 42 lakh acres covered under the Prime Minister's crop insurance scheme (Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana) this year.
Though only around one lakh farmers till now have enrolled so far under this scheme. Agriculture Department officials are hopeful that the enrolment drive would pick up in the coming weeks as farmers intensify their activities during the current ‘samba', ‘thaladi', and ‘pishanam' cultivation season.
Special season
Given the peculiarity of the circumstances in the State, crops grown during the 'samba' season come under the special season in terms of insurance coverage. Otherwise, it is either kharif or rabi season for insurance purposes. Last year, 25.77 lakh farmers were enrolled for an area of around 42.77 lakh acres.
Approximately 12.4 lakh farmers alone have registered for the 2020-21 special season. The ongoing ‘samba' season is significant since it accounts for roughly two-thirds of annual rice production.
This time, there is an additional motive for the authorities to guarantee comprehensive coverage. During the kharif season this year, coverage was hardly one-fourth of what the State had accomplished the previous year.
This was due to a number of factors, including the implementation of the model code of conduct for the Assembly election, which caused a delay in the selection of insurance companies.
The harvest of paddy produced during the ‘kuruvai' season had begun by the time Agriculture Insurance Company of India Limited and IFFCO-Tokio General Insurance Company were picked in late August. According to officials, this is why paddy alone could not be covered this year.
Period of Enrollment
Normally, farmer enrollment for the special season concludes on December 15th. However, in most districts, paddy harvesting is completed by the middle of November. Maize, cotton, and onions are some of the crops that may be covered.
The registration procedure for Rabi is planned to begin in the third week of October and will go through February. There will, however, be district and crop- wise cut-off dates.
