PMFBY: Why Farmers Are Unhappy With PM Fasal Bima Yojana

Despite the fact that the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) has been implemented across the country since 2016-17, farmers in Kodagu, Karnataka are not happy about it. In the district, perennial crops are prioritized. In addition to paddy cultivation, the producers rely on coffee, cardamom, and pepper for livelihood.

Maize is produced by farmers in Kushalnagar, Koodige, Hebbale, Aluru-Siddapura, and Shirangala. The PMFBY only applies to paddy and maize. As a result, the plan does not provide much benefit to the farmers. Also many people are unwilling to pay the insurance premium after assessing the loss and profit.

According to agricultural department officials, the PMFBY would come to the farmers rescue in the event of excessive rains, drought, or natural disasters.

The Fasal Bima Yojana registration for 2021-22 has been finished and in the district, only 222 farmers have signed up for the scheme.

It must be noted that in the Kodagu district, paddy is produced on 35,000 hectares of land, while maize is grown on 5,000 hectares.

In 2018, the district was hit by severe floods and landslides. Farmers who signed up for the Fasal Bima Yojana in 2017-18 were eligible to receive compensation in 2018. 

Crop insurance scheme is now mandatory for farmers who take bank loans, according to the government. As a result, 2,574 farmers who availed loans and 21 farmers who did not took out loans registered for the insurance.

A total of 958 farmers received Rs.35 lakh in compensation. However, the government eventually reduced the insurance scheme's conditions. As a result, the number of farmers who chose the same has declined.

"I have not opted for the Fasal Bima Yojana. I produce paddy on my two-acre property. There is no shortage of water since I have a borewell facility. Not many have opted for the Fasal Bima Yojana in Shanivarasanthe hobli" said S M Umashankar, a farmer from Shidigalale

"I have been engaged in farming under the guidance of my father. I do not have much knowledge of Fasal Bima Yojana. We apply for compensation if the crop is affected by heavy rain and any disease. The Fasal Bima Yojana is not of much benefit to the district." said Praneeth Kumar, a young farmer from Doddabilaha.

The Fasal Bima Yojana in Kodagu district has selected Bharti AXA General Insurance. According to officials, a farmer must pay Rs.688 premium per hectare of paddy produced on irrigated land, Rs. 440 per hectare premium for rain-fed paddy cultivation and Rs 400 premium per hectare for maize cultivation.

Shabana M Sheikh, the joint director of the Agriculture Department, stated, "Registration for insurance is not required. Farmers, on the other hand, should consider obtaining insurance. They are compensated for the crops they have lost."

Fasal Bima Yojana statistics in Kodagu 

Source – Deccan Herald