Farmers suffer as unseasonal rains take toll on crops: List of govt schemes to compensate from crop losses and how to apply for them

While farmers in India look forward to rains every year, unseasonal rains or excess precipitation makes matters worse for them. Recent trends of unexpected rains and hail during the harvesting season further worsen the situation as farmers barely get their investment back after months of back-breaking toil and hard work. A big chunk of farmers with small landholdings in India don't even earn enough to make both ends meet and if they lose their harvest due to weather conditions, it lands them in a spiral of debt. 

Meanwhile, the weather department has predicted that rains are likely to continue in many parts of the country. Currently, states like Kolkata, Delhi, Rajasthan, and Chennai are witnessing rains, according to the IMD. In such a situation, the farmers can get monetary help and compensation from these government schemes — 

Here's the list of government schemes that may help farmers to protect their crops.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers Welfare, four insurance schemes are there to safeguard farmers financially against natural risks like natural disasters/ calamities, insect, pests & diseases and adverse weather conditions.

Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY): Farmers get compensations under the crop insurance scheme Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana. This scheme helps farmers to protect from crop losses.

The maximum premium for all farmers under this scheme includes:

i) Kharif season - 2 per cent of sum insured

ii) Rabi Season 1.5 per cent of sum insured

iii) Annual commercial/horticultural crops - 5 per cent of sum insured

Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme (WBCIS): Insurance protection for notified food crops, oilseeds, and annual horticultural/commercial crops. The maximum premium for all farmers under the WBCIS scheme includes:

a) Kharif season – 2 per cent of sum insured.

b) Rabi Season 1.5 per cent of sum insured.

c) Commercial/horticultural crops 5 per cent of sum insured. 

Coconut Palm Insurance Scheme (CPIS): This is the insurance protection for coconut palm growers. The premium rate per palm ranges from Rs 9 (in the plant age group of 4 to 15 years) to Rs 14 (in the plant age group of 16-60 years).

Under the scheme 50-75 per cent subsidy of premium is provided to all types of farmers.

When the palm is damaged, the claim payment equal to the input cost loss damage is payable to the insured in notified areas.

Unified Package Insurance Scheme (UPIS): Unified Package Insurance Scheme (UPIS) as pilot in notified districts. This scheme assists:

• To provide financial protection and comprehensive risk coverage of crops, assets, life, and student safety to farmers.
• Pilot will include seven sections namely crop insurance (PMFBY/WBCIS), loss of life (PMJJBY), accidental death & disability (PMSBY), student safety, household, agriculture implements & tractor.
• Crop Insurance will be compulsory. However, farmers can choose at least two sections from remaining.
• Farmers may be able to get all requisite insurance products through one simple proposal/ application form.

Farmers may contact the nearest branches of banks/PACS/cooperative banks/ common service center (CSC), impanelled general insurance companies notified for the area, and district agriculture officer/block development officer to opt for the schemes or visit the web portal www.pmfby.gov.in.