Crop insurance scheme is being implemented as modified national agricultural insurance scheme in all the 13 blocks in Pudukottai district during 2013-14 based on the administrative sanction accorded by the Centre and approval by the State government.
Under the scheme, weather-based crop insurance scheme and coconut palm insurance scheme are implemented at revenue-village-level for losses suffered due to nature’s fury. Compensation will be sanctioned as per the norms, according to K.M.Shajahan, Joint Director of Agriculture.
The scheme benefits tenants too and covers all food grain crops. Compensation would be granted for failure of monsoon at any stage. “Pre-sowing and post-sowing losses are accounted for ,” he said.
The scheme provides 25 per cent of input cost as compensation as per the recommendation of the committee set up by insurance companies concerned as per guidelines.
Mr.Shajahan urged the district farmers to take advantage of the scheme by contacting the block agricultural extension centres for clarifications and registering names.
Referring to the condition of the standing crops, he said that the district registered 440 mm of rainfall as against the normal 790.46 mm from southwest and northeast monsoons.
Poor rainfall has played havoc on crops, and the prevailing drought condition has already been brought to the notice of the State government, he said.
About 72,500 hectares have been brought under paddy cultivation in the district during the season and harvest has already commenced.
In order to increase the food grain production, the agriculture department has advised farmers to increase the paddy area under Navarai season in the current year. The farmers could go for pulses and millet cultivation in garden land and other areas where irrigation facilities are available.
To increase pulses production, DAP 20 per cent spray recommended for sprinkler and boom sprayer in water-scarce areas , he said.
