By Anuj Bhalla,Chandigarh, March 20 – Haryana Horticulture Department has decided to expand the scope of Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme (WBCIS) by implementing it in all the 21 districts of the State from the financial year 2012-13. At present it is being implemented in five districts of the State namely Yamunanagar, Sirsa, Sonepat, Karnal and Kurukshetra.
While stating this here today, a spokesman of the Department said that the scheme covered the fruit crop of Mango, Citrus and vegetable crops of Onion and Tomato.
He said that the scheme aimed at providing insurance cover and financial support to the farmers in the event of failure of crops as a result of unfavourable weather conditions like excess rain, high wind speed, high temperature for fruit crops but low temperature and excess rainfall for vegetable crops. The scheme would encourage farmers to adopt progressive farming practices, high value inputs and higher technology in horticulture. It would also help in stabilizing farm income, especially during years of any adversity.
He said that the perils of weather that were deemed to cause ‘Adverse Weather Incidence’ leading to crop loss were covered under the scheme. These included excess or deficit rainfall, temperature and humidity.
He said that all farmers including small and marginal, women, members belonging to Scheduled Castes, share croppers and tenant farmers would be covered under the scheme. The scheme was voluntary for the non-loanee farmers, but mandatory for loanee farmers. Under the scheme, 50 per cent of the total premium would be payable by the insured cultivator and the balance by the Central and State Governments.
The scheme is being implemented through the Insurance Company India Limited and ICICI Lombard. The sum insured will extend to the cost of cultivation of the insured crops. Out of the total premium of the insured crop, 50 per cent will be paid by the farmer and balance by the State and Government of India in the ratio of 50:50 basis. All the financial liabilities will be shared between the Central and State Governments in the ratio of 50:50. The insured shall be required to furnish a copy of the policy or confirmation certificate or cover note as a proof of insurance and any other document requested by any of the two insurance companies for settlement of the claim.