Crop Insurance In Andhra Pradesh: Application Process Simplified

how to apply for crop insurance in andhra pradesh

Andhra Pradesh offers crop insurance to farmers in the state through various schemes, including the National Agricultural Insurance Scheme (NAIS), the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, and the YSR free crop insurance scheme. The state has also introduced a Village as Insurance Unit scheme, which provides more benefits to farmers as losses in smaller areas are more representative. To receive crop insurance, farmers in Andhra Pradesh can register their names and crops at Rythu Bharosa Kendras (RBKs) established in the villages. The RBKs will then register the crop size and category and extend the benefits to the farmers.

Characteristics Values
Scheme Name National Agricultural Insurance Scheme (NAIS)
Objective To provide financial support to farmers in the event of crop loss due to calamities and to restore credit eligibility for the next season
Implementing Body Government of Andhra Pradesh
Eligibility All farmers irrespective of category, including tenant farmers and sharecroppers
Compulsory For Loanee farmers
Voluntary For Non-loanee farmers
Benefits Financial support for crop loss, stabilization of farm incomes, and restoration of credit eligibility
Additional Benefits for Small and Marginal Farmers 10% subsidy on premium
Implementing Unit Village (Andhra Pradesh is the first state to initiate a village-level insurance program)
Coverage Crop loss due to adverse weather conditions such as rainfall, temperature, and relative humidity deviations
Recent Claims Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy paid INR 1,252 crore to 9.48 lakh farmers in 2020
Premium Payment The government paid INR 393 crore for the 2019 season, with a promise to pay for the 2020 season as well
Registration Process Farmers register their names, crops, crop size, and category at Rythu Bharosa Kendras (RBKs) in villages

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Register your name and crops at Rythu Bharosa Kendras (RBKs)

To register your name and crops at Rythu Bharosa Kendras (RBKs), follow these steps:

First, locate your nearest RBK. These centres are established in villages across Andhra Pradesh. Once you have found your nearest RBK, you will need to provide them with information about your crops. This includes details such as the type of crops you cultivate and the size and category of your crop yield.

The RBKs will then register this information and display it, along with the names of other farmers in the area and their respective crops. This ensures transparency in the crop insurance process. By registering with RBKs, you will not only be signing up for crop insurance but also accessing a range of other benefits. These benefits include assistance in finding markets for your agricultural produce after harvest and the provision of quality seeds and fertilisers delivered directly to your doorstep.

The RBKs play a crucial role in extending the benefits offered by the government to farmers. For instance, under the National Agricultural Insurance Scheme (NAIS), introduced during the Kharif 2000 season, the RBKs can help farmers receive financial support in the event of crop loss due to calamities, thereby restoring credit eligibility for the next season and stabilising farm incomes. Additionally, the RBKs can facilitate the implementation of the "Village as Insurance Unit" Scheme, which has been in effect in all districts of Andhra Pradesh since the Kharif 2008 season. This scheme provides more benefits to farmers as losses in smaller areas are more representative at the village level.

By registering with RBKs, farmers in Andhra Pradesh can access a range of government schemes and benefits designed to support their livelihood and mitigate financial losses due to crop failures.

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Understand the difference between loanee and non-loanee farmers

In Andhra Pradesh, all farmers, including marginal, small, big, tenant, and share croppers, are eligible to enrol in the Crop Insurance Scheme. However, there is a distinction between loanee and non-loanee farmers in terms of the compulsory nature of crop insurance.

Loanee farmers are those who have obtained crop loans from financial institutions or have renewed their loans. Crop insurance is mandatory for these farmers, and they are automatically covered under the crop insurance scheme. In the event of mid-season crop failure, loanee farmers are entitled to receive an advance payment of 25% of the likely claim.

On the other hand, non-loanee farmers are not required to take out crop insurance, and their participation in the scheme is voluntary. To encourage their enrolment, the Andhra Pradesh government has initiated special drives involving extension staff from the Agriculture Department. These efforts have resulted in a positive response from non-loanee farmers, with many voluntarily insuring their crops. Additionally, the government has subsidised the premium for small and marginal non-loanee farmers by 10%.

The difference in the compulsory nature of crop insurance for loanee and non-loanee farmers is an important distinction in the Crop Insurance Scheme in Andhra Pradesh. While loanee farmers are automatically covered due to their loan status, non-loanee farmers have the choice to opt into the scheme. The government has implemented various measures to promote the inclusion of non-loanee farmers, recognising the benefits of crop insurance for all farmers in the event of crop loss or other calamities.

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Know the benefits of the Village as Insurance Unit Scheme

Andhra Pradesh is the only Indian state with the "Village as Insurance Unit" scheme, which has been implemented in all districts of the state since the Kharif 2008 season. The Village Insurance Unit Scheme was introduced during Kharif 2005 in five districts on a pilot basis and was later extended to 22 districts from Kharif 2008 onwards. The scheme has benefited lakhs of farmers in the event of crop loss.

The Village level insurance programme provides more benefits to farmers as losses in a smaller area would be more representative. The crops for village-level implementation are selected based on the cropped area under the principal crops. Andhra Pradesh stands first in terms of area covered, farmers covered/claims paid, and farmers benefited.

The Village as Insurance Unit scheme is part of the National Agricultural Insurance Scheme (NAIS), which aims to provide financial support to farmers in the event of crop loss due to any calamity. The scheme helps restore credit eligibility for the next season and stabilize farm incomes.

In addition to the Mandal Insurance Unit Scheme, the Government of Andhra Pradesh introduced the "Village Made as Insurance Unit" scheme for the first time in the country. The lower size of the insurance unit (village) is more representative in yield estimation. This scheme has encouraged more non-loanee farmers to enrol in the Crop Insurance Scheme.

The Modified National Agricultural Insurance Scheme (MNAIS) was introduced during Rabi 2010-11 on a pilot basis in three districts: Prakasam, Nellore, and Warangal. This scheme covers post-harvest losses and prevented sowings. Rice, a major crop, is selected for implementation under the Village made as Unit under this scheme. In the event of mid-season crop failure, 25% of the likely claim will be paid in advance to the farmers.

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Learn about the National Agricultural Insurance Scheme (NAIS)

The National Agricultural Insurance Scheme (NAIS) was introduced by the Government of India in 1999-2000 (implemented from Kharif 2000 season) as a risk management strategy in agriculture. The scheme aims to provide financial support to farmers in the event of crop failure due to natural calamities, pests, and diseases. It covers all farmers, including loanees and non-loanees, regardless of their farm size. NAIS covers a range of crops, including food crops (cereals and pulses), oilseeds, horticultural crops, and commercial crops.

Under NAIS, farmers are protected against production and market risks. The scheme ensures a minimum guaranteed income, calculated as the average yield multiplied by the minimum support price. If the farmer's actual income falls short of the guaranteed income, the Agriculture Insurance Company of India compensates the difference. Initially, NAIS only covered wheat and rice, and it was mandatory for farmers taking crop loans. However, it has since been expanded to include other crops, and its scope has broadened.

The premium rates for food crops under NAIS range from 1.5% to 3.5% of the sum assured. Horticultural and commercial crops are charged at actuarial rates. Small and marginal farmers are entitled to a 50% subsidy on the premium, shared equally between the Government of India and the states. This subsidy is being phased out over a five-year period. Additionally, NAIS provides coverage for localized calamities such as hailstorms, landslides, cyclones, and floods.

Andhra Pradesh has taken proactive measures to enhance crop insurance for its farmers. The state introduced the "Village as Insurance Unit" Scheme, which has provided more benefits to farmers as losses in smaller areas are more representative. Andhra Pradesh was the first state to initiate a village-level insurance programme, and it currently covers all the districts for major crops. The state also implemented the "Weather-Based Crop Insurance Scheme" during Kharif 2009 to mitigate financial losses due to adverse weather conditions.

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Find out about the Weather-Based Crop Insurance Scheme

The Weather-Based Crop Insurance Scheme (WBCIS) is a type of crop insurance available in Andhra Pradesh. It is intended to provide insurance protection to farmers against adverse weather conditions, such as deficit or excess rainfall, high or low temperatures, and humidity, which can negatively impact crop production. WBCIS aims to settle claims as quickly as possible.

The WBCIS was implemented during the Kharif 2009 season. It is a part of the National Agricultural Insurance Scheme (NAIS), which was introduced from Kharif 2000 to provide financial support to farmers in the event of crop loss due to calamities. NAIS also aims to restore credit eligibility for the next season and stabilize farm incomes. Andhra Pradesh is the only state to have a "Village as Insurance Unit" scheme in all its districts, which has provided more benefits to farmers as losses in smaller areas are more representative.

All farmers, regardless of their category (marginal, small, or big) and including tenant farmers and sharecroppers, are eligible to enrol in the Crop Insurance Scheme. Insurance is compulsory for loanee farmers and voluntary for non-loanee farmers. To encourage more non-loanee farmers to enrol, the government has undertaken special drives involving the extension staff of the Department of Agriculture. There has been a good response from non-loanee farmers, with many voluntarily insuring their crops.

The Farmers' Portal of the Department of Agriculture, Co-operation, and Farmers' Welfare is a platform that provides farmers with detailed information on farmers' insurance, agricultural storage, crops, extension activities, seeds, pesticides, and farm machinery. It also provides details on fertilizers, market prices, packages and practices, programmes, and welfare schemes.

Frequently asked questions

NAIS was implemented from Kharif 2000 to provide financial support to farmers in the event of crop loss due to calamity. The scheme aims to restore credit eligibility for the next season and stabilize farm incomes.

All farmers, including marginal, small, big, tenant farmers, and sharecroppers, are eligible to enroll. Crop insurance is compulsory for loanee farmers and voluntary for non-loanee farmers.

Andhra Pradesh introduced this scheme during Kharif 2005 in 5 districts on a pilot basis. It has now been extended to all districts for major crops. The scheme provides more benefits to farmers as losses in smaller areas would be more representative.

Farmers can register their names and crops at Rythu Bharosa Kendras (RBKs) established in the villages. The RBKs will register the crop size and category and extend the benefits to the farmers.

The Crop Insurance Scheme provides financial support to farmers in the event of crop loss due to calamities. It helps restore credit eligibility for the next season and stabilizes farm incomes. The scheme also makes it easier for farmers to find markets for their agricultural produce and provides access to quality seeds and fertilizers.

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