C Pradeep Kumar
Vijayawada
In a significant milestone, the Andhra Pradesh government, led by Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, has achieved a groundbreaking feat by providing complete crop insurance coverage to every farmer across the state. This innovative approach to risk management has not only garnered immense appreciation from farmers but has also gained national recognition.
Going beyond the mere extension of coverage, the Andhra Pradesh government has introduced new crops to the insurance scheme post-2019, thereby establishing a broader safety net for farmers. Noteworthy additions include Rajma in Visakhapatnam District and Sesamum in YSR District during the Rabi season of 2020-21.
Progress over the years
The journey commenced with the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) in 2012-13, covering 24,987 farmers and settling claims worth Rs 119.4 Crores. Over the years, Andhra Pradesh significantly expanded its crop insurance initiatives:
In 2018-19, PMFBY covered 5,94,005 farmers, with claims amounting to Rs 596.40 Crores, released in June 2020. The year 2019-20 marked a significant turning point, with 9,47,647 farmers covered under PMFBY, resulting in claims of Rs 1,252.18 Crores, disbursed in December 2020.
Andhra Pradesh introduced its own Dr. YSR Crop Insurance scheme in 2020-21, covering an impressive 13,00,272 farmers with claims amounting to Rs 1,739.00 crore, disbursed in May 2021.
Continuing this success, the state recorded a remarkable 15,60,703 farmers covered under the Dr. YSR Crop Insurance scheme in 2021-22, with claims of Rs 2,977.82 crore released in June 2022.
In 2022-23, the state witnessed the joint implementation of Dr. YSR FCI-PMFBY Yield-Based and Weather-Based insurance schemes, covering 10,18,812 farmers with claims of Rs 1,117.21 crore, released in July 2023.
Revolutionising procedures
Previously, there was a lack of awareness and transparency in the crop insurance process. However, under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, the government has implemented pioneering changes.
Farmers in Andhra Pradesh are now automatically enrolled in the crop insurance program based on e-crop registration, simplifying the process. The State government not only handles the entire claim process but also covers the farmers’ share of premiums under PMFBY. To enhance transparency, the government now publishes beneficiary lists well in advance of claim releases, swiftly addressing objections during social audits. Ensuring timely payments, the government commits to settling insurance claims before the commencement of each agricultural season.
Andhra Pradesh stands as a shining example in the country, achieving universal crop insurance coverage without imposing financial burdens on farmers. This remarkable feat not only benefits farmers but also sets a precedent for innovative agricultural policies nationwide.
