Maharashtra to Provide ₹1,700 Crore Crop Insurance to 35 Lakh Farmers This Diwali

In a decisive step to alleviate the hardships faced by farmers grappling with crop losses induced by climate change, the Maharashtra government has announced a beneficial initiative. A staggering 35 lakh farmers in the state are set to receive a crop insurance payout worth ₹1,700 crore in the initial phase. This substantial financial support will be directly credited to the bank accounts of the eligible farmers.

Recognizing the critical need for protection against climate-related adversities, the Maharashtra state government introduced a crop insurance scheme that required farmers to pay a nominal premium of just Re 1. The overwhelming response to this scheme is evident from the fact that a remarkable 1.71 crore farmers availed the insurance coverage.

Demonstrating their commitment to expediting the disbursement of crop insurance payments, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Minister Dhananjay Munde convened a crucial meeting with all insurance companies last month. This concerted effort resulted in a consensus among the insurance companies to distribute the funds in the first phase, ensuring swift assistance to the affected farmers.

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The state's monsoon season presented a complex pattern of rainfall, receiving 86% of the normal rainfall while still experiencing an overall deficit of 14%. While August witnessed a dry spell, prompting the government to declare drought in 42 talukas, July and September brought excessive and intense rainfall to some parts of Vidarbha, North Maharashtra, and Western Maharashtra, leading to significant crop losses. Climate change emerged as a prominent factor contributing to these losses.

Minister Munde also assured that the appeals and hearings for crop insurance would continue, ensuring that those initially left out would be covered in the subsequent phase of disbursements.

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District-wise list of funds and Beneficiaries

Total – 35,08,303                                                                                    1700.73 L

With the onset of the rabi sowing season, the pace of cultivation is expected to increase after Diwali. Currently, rabi crop sowing has been undertaken on six lakh hectares. However, due to the challenges posed by drought and a rainfall deficit, the total rabi sowing area is anticipated to be lower this year, with expectations at 53.76 lakh hectares compared to the 61.65 lakh hectares sown in the previous year.

Despite these challenges, the support provided through the crop insurance scheme is set to be a lifeline for the affected farmers, offering much-needed financial relief during these trying times.

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