The Mizoram government will launch a comprehensive crop insurance scheme to protect farmers from financial losses caused by natural disasters, pests or diseases, a minister said.
State Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister PC Vanlalruata informed the state Assembly today that the insurance scheme will be introduced for five key crops under the state government’s flagship ‘Bana Kaih’ (Handholding) scheme.
He said that the state Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Department is currently taking steps to implement the Centre’s Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY).
A State Level Coordination Committee on Crop Insurance (SLCCCI) constituted to implement the PMFBY scheme has already issued a notification to cover five specific crops – paddy, ginger, Mizo chilli, cabbage, and brinjal (eggplant), he said.
The Minister clarified that the insurance scheme would initially be rolled out in specific districts with high production potential.
“While the initial phase focuses on specifically selected high-potential areas, the government plans to expand the scheme to other districts in a phased manner,” Vanlalruata said.
He said that the distribution of the insurance coverage is categorised by crop and district potential.
Insurance coverage for ginger will extend to farmers across all 11 districts, for paddy in Champhai, Kolasib and Mamit districts and for Mizo chilli in Serchhip, Saitual and Hnahthial districts, he said.
Similarly, crop insurance will be provided to brinjal (Eggplant) and cabbage growers in Serchhip district, he said.
Under the state’s flagship Bana Kaih scheme, the government will provide significant premium subsidies to ease the financial burden on farmers.
According to the Minister, small-scale farmers with less than one hectare of land will only need to pay 10% of the insurance premium, and the government will cover the remaining 90 % under the Bana Kaih scheme.
Farmers holding 1 to 5 hectares will receive an 80% premium subsidy, while those with over 5 hectares will receive a 50% state contribution on the premium, he said.
He also credited Chief Minister Lalduhoma for his due concern in the introduction of crop insurance.
Earlier this month, Vanlalruata had said that a tender had already been floated and TATA AIG general insurance company was selected as the insurer.
