Insurance companies implementing the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) have begun paying crop damage claims in Maharashtra after continuous follow-ups by the Agriculture Commissioner’s office.
It claims that Rs 1,770 crore has been deposited to the accounts of 29.92 lakh farmers in the state by the end of this week. Agriculture Commissioner Dheeraj Kumar stated that the remaining funds would be transferred within the following seven days.
The Maharashtra monsoon has been patchy, with an extended dry spell in July and August. However, the monsoon resurfaced with intensity after August, and significant rain was reported in September and October. The Agriculture Commissioner’s office had received a total of 47.61 lakh crop loss claims, including both mid-season adversities and a localized calamity. The total amount of claims was Rs 2,750 crores.
Farmers made claims both online and offline, but they were not responded to promptly, despite farmers’ follow-ups. Farmers in numerous regions have reported total crop loss due to unseasonal rain, and State Agriculture Minister Dadasaheb Bhuse has promised immediate payment.
The office of the Agriculture Commissioner’s continuous follow-ups, including threats of action, have prompted insurance firms to begin their payment schedule this week. As of the 10th of December (Friday), 29.92 lakh people have received payments totaling Rs 1,770 crore. The remaining balance will be paid in the next days.
Farmers can insure their crops against losses due to extreme weather events with the PMFBY. Farmers only pay a small amount of the premium, with the central and state governments picking up the majority. Farmers have filed claims for losses either online or offline, and the claims have been paid straight into their accounts.
Despite the fact that the scheme is optional for most farmers, the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana has proved popular, with regular enrollments. Enrolments have been particularly high in Marathwada and Vidarbha, where crop losses from harsh weather events are common.
Dheeraj Kumar, in his capacity as commissioner, has raised the issue, threatening legal action against companies that fail to meet the payment deadline. The agricultural commissioner’s office had pointed out low payment history in the case of several companies, despite the government and farmer share of the premium being received on schedule.