Government Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announces that farmers will receive a 12% interest on their delayed crop insurance claims.
The Indian government, under the leadership of Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, has unveiled a comprehensive six-point strategy to enhance farmers' income, crop production, and institutional support.
- Increasing Agricultural Output: The government has made significant strides in increasing total crop production, which has risen from 246.42 million tonnes in 2013–14 to 353.96 million tonnes at present. This growth is also evident in the production of pulses, oilseeds, and horticulture, which have seen marked increases during this period[1].
- Reducing Input Costs: Efforts have been made to lower the cost burden on farmers by providing subsidies such as fertiliser subsidies worth nearly Rs 2 lakh crore annually[1].
- Ensuring Fair Prices for Produce: Mechanisms have been implemented to guarantee farmers receive fair prices for their agricultural products, encompassing support through schemes and assured procurement policies[1].
- Compensating Losses: Strengthened crop insurance schemes provide timely and adequate compensation, including measures like paying 12% interest on delayed crop insurance claims to protect farmers from risks[1].
- Promoting Diversification: The government encourages diversification beyond traditional crops into sectors like horticulture, fisheries, and livestock to boost income sources and sustainability in farming[1][2].
- Encouraging Natural Farming and Balanced Fertiliser Use: Sustainable practices including organic and natural farming alongside balanced fertiliser use are advocated to improve soil health and long-term productivity[1][2].
Additional support measures include:
- The PM-Kisan scheme, providing direct income support (Rs 6,000/year) to nearly 10 crore farmers, enhancing financial security[1][3].
- A significant increase in institutional credit for farmers, which has more than tripled from Rs 7 lakh crore to Rs 25 lakh crore, improving access to affordable finance[1].
- A sharp rise in the agriculture budget from Rs 27,000 crore during the UPA era to Rs 1.27 lakh crore now, reflecting growing governmental commitment[1].
The government is also promoting integrated farming systems combining fruit, flower, vegetable cultivation, agroforestry, beekeeping, and animal husbandry in a unified sustainable approach[2].
Further improvements include the restructuring of PMFBY to be more farmer-friendly. If insurers or state governments delay compensation beyond 21 days, they must pay 12% interest, which will be credited directly to farmers' accounts[2]. The government is also rolling out YESTECH, a satellite-based technology system for digital crop loss estimation, to enhance transparency and speed up compensation under PMFBY.
This comprehensive strategy, a decade-long commitment, aims to boost productivity, reduce farmer costs, secure incomes, encourage sustainable practices, and expand financial and institutional support[1][2][3].
Recently, a Nepali parliamentary delegation visited Krishi Bhawan in New Delhi to explore India's agricultural advancements[4]. The total crop production in India has increased from 246.42 million tonnes in 2013-14 to 353.96 million tonnes at present[1]. Additionally, horticulture output has expanded from 280.70 to 367.72 million tonnes[1].
[1] Government of India, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. (n.d.). Agriculture and farmers welfare. Retrieved from https://agricoop.gov.in/
[2] Government of India, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. (n.d.). Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana. Retrieved from https://pmfby.gov.in/
[3] Government of India, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. (n.d.). PM-Kisan. Retrieved from https://pmkisan.gov.in/
[4] The Indian Express. (2021, February 13). Nepal parliamentary delegation visits Krishi Bhawan to explore India's agricultural advancements. Retrieved from https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/nepal-parliamentary-delegation-visits-krishi-bhawan-to-explore-indias-agricultural-advancements-7196783/
Technology can play a vital role in enhancing crop production by supporting digital crop loss estimation, such as the YESTECH system, providing rapid and accurate data for faster compensation under the PMFBY scheme[2]. Application of technology in agriculture and farmers welfare sector can further improve productivity, reduce costs, and create a more sustainable farming ecosystem[1]. For instance, the government encourages integrated farming systems that combine various agricultural activities, including agroforestry and animal husbandry, using a unified sustainable approach[2].
