J&K govt introduces crop insurance scheme

Jammu, Feb 15 (UNI) The Jammu and Kashmir government has introduced crop insurance scheme in state to assist the farmer community who suffer losses due to natural calamities like rains, floods and droughts.

The government has decided that the national agricultural insurance scheme would continue to be operative in the state during Rabi 2006-07 as per the guidelines and operational modalities fixed by Central Government, an official sources in a statement said.

In this connection, the Agriculture Insurance Company of India (AIC) will act as implementing agency (IA) in the state, the statement said, adding that all farmers growing insurable crops and availing seasonal agricultural operations (SAO) loans from financial institutions would be covered on priority basis.

A 10 per cent subsidy on the due premium would be allowed in respect of small and marginal farmers having land up to two hectares.

The loaning period would be october 1, 2006 to march 31, 2007.

Jammu district for wheat crop and Anantnag district for mustard crop have been selected for individual assessment for localised calamities like flood, hailstorm, landslide and cyclone on experimental basis.

The insured farmers who suffer losses to their crops on account of said localised perils shall compulsorily give immediate intimation to the financial institution or the implementation agency concerned within 48 hours of the occurrence. On receipt of loss intimation, the implementing agency shall assess the loss.

UNI