AGRICULTURAL INSURANCE
Please find below the details of the National Agricultural Insurance Scheme implemented by the Agriculture Insurance Company of India Limited for the economic growth of farmers.
Project Objective: Farmers can suffer losses due to droughts, floods, landslides, storms, tornadoes, hurricanes, extreme heat, lighting, fires, or pest infestations. In the event of production losses on declared crops, the insurance company provides farmers insurance coverage and financial assistance. The scheme can be availed by those who cultivate on leased land (lease cultivation) and farmers who produce the declared crops included in the scheme in each state. The farmers who take agricultural loans through banks / co-operative societies must be members of the scheme to develop the crops included in the scheme. Non-agricultural loan borrowers can also join the scheme at their option. A farmer who takes out a loan must insure the minimum amount of agricultural loan available through the financial institution for a given crop over a period of time. A farmer can insure his crop at a lower premium at a rate equal to the average cost of the crop.
Method of calculating compensation: If the yield of a particular crop in a specific area is less than the current yield (the average yield in the last 3-5 years), the loss is calculated in the same proportion for all the farmers who cultivate the same crop in that particular area. In such cases, all farmers who grow the same crop in the respective area will receive claims in proportion to the individual amount they have insured. State government data on yields per season will be submitted during each season. Claims will be calculated from this information.
Insurable Crops (District wise)
Climate Crop Insurance Coverage ,Sum insured and Premium rate at present. (subject to change)
| Crop | District | Risks covered | Insurance amt. | Farmer’s share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paddy | All districts except Alappuzha, Kottayam, Pathanamthitta and Wayanad |
Decreased rainfall, draught and increase in temperature |
50,000 | 1,000 |
| Banana Plant | All districts except Pathanamthitta, Alapuzha |
Increased rainfall, heavy storm |
100,000 | 5,000 |
| Areca Palm | Kaseragod, Kannur, Wayanad, Kozhokode, Malappuram, Palakkad, Thrissur |
Disease prone climate, scarcity of rain, draught |
50,000 | 2,500 |
| Chili | Idukki, Wayanad, Kannur, Kozhikode, Kasaragod, Malappuram, Palakkad, Kollam and Kottayam. |
Drought, Disease-prone climate, Heavy rains, untimely rains, Light rain |
50,000 | 2,500 |
| Ginger | Idukki, Wayanad, Palakkad | Scarcity of rain, Heavy rain, Light rain |
100,000 | 5,000 |
| Turmeric | Idukki, Wayanad, Kozhikode, Malappuram, Palakkad, Kollam, Ernakulam |
Scarcity of rain, Heavy rain, Light rain |
60,000 | 3,000 |
| Pineapple | Idukki, Kottayam and Ernakulam |
Heavy rain, draught | 35,000 | 1,750 |
| Sugarcane | Idukki, Palakkad | Lack of rainfall, excess rainfall, untimely rains |
35,000 | Up to 5% |
| Cardamom | Idukki, Wayanad,Palakkad | Disease prone climate and drought | 120,000 | 5,310 |
| Nutmeg | Ernakulam, Thrissur | Excess rainfall, drought, dry weather, strong winds |
50,000 | 2,500 |
| Policy | Risk of coverage | Duration | Sum insured | Premium rate Including GST |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rubber Plantation | Natural Disasters, Strikes, Mob attack, Attacks by wild animals, Losses due to Vehicles, Drought, and Terrorism |
1 Yr. | The amount fixed by the company according to the age of the rubber |
The amount fixed by the company according to the age of the rubber |
| Livestock Insurance | Disease, accident, natural disaster, permanent and complete disability |
1 Yr. | 10,000 to 100,000 | 6% |
LIVESTOCK INSURANCE
Livestock insurance covers against loss of animals.
Criteria for Insuring
The value of livestock is determined based on age, health, milk availability, and breed. The veterinarian determines the amount to be insured. Typically, livestock is insured from 2 to 12 years old. Calves are insured for 4 months.
Coverage
A livestock insurance policy mainly covers livestock losses due to illness or accident. It can also cover losses/damages caused by natural disasters, disabilities, and accidents while transported in a vehicle. Disability compensation is usually up to 75%. A permanent and total disability can include infertility, mastitis, stud-bulls, and buffaloes who lose the ability to reproduce. A veterinarian’s certificate is required in case of defects.
How to Insure: A veterinarian examining and evaluating livestock often taps a tag on the ear to identify them. The identification number of the animal is the number printed on it. In addition, the insurance certificate will include the animal’s age, color, horn length, height, and breed. Be careful not to lose the ear tag. In case of loss, the veterinarian must promptly re-tag and notify the insurance company.
Amount of Premium: The premium for regular livestock insurance is 6% per annum at present.
Claim Procedures: A veterinarian should be consulted in the event of an accident, illness, or disability caused by the risks covered by the policy. An insurance claim requires the insurance company’s claim form, a doctor’s certificate stating the cause of death, a post-mortem report, and an ear tag. The company will send the money to the customer’s bank account after settling the claim.
Amount of Compensation: The veterinarian determines the amount of compensation at the time of death. The insurance company will receive the claim amount if all supporting documents are submitted within 30 days of the incident. The claim amount will not be paid if the animal dies within fifteen days of taking the policy.
Dairy farmers, farms, and farming associations should prioritize insuring livestock on time. Three reasons favor insuring livestock: crossbreed cattle are at high risk, livelihood dependents suffer, and livestock prices are high.
Goat Insurance
Goat farming is also quite popular among the common folk today. Goat insurance aims to cover the risk of illness and accidents affecting goats. Goats come in various breeds, including native, hybrid, and exotic. Goats aged between six months and six years may be insured at the rate determined by the veterinarian. The annual premium rate is 8% at present. Identification tags will be attached to the goats’ ears. Color, breed, and age are also considered for identification.