CROPS LOST DUE TO EXCESS RAIN : GEOGRAPHY / AGRICULTURE

CROPS LOST DUE TO EXCESS RAIN :  GEOGRAPHY / AGRICULTURE

NEWS : India lost 33.9 million hectares of crops due to excess rains during 2015-21, says WEF report

 

WHAT’S IN THE NEWS ?

Impact of Extreme Climate Events on Indian Agriculture:

  • India lost 33.9 million hectares (mh) of crops due to excessive rains and 35 mh due to drought (2015-2021).
  • Agriculture contributes 15% of India’s GDP and employs 40% of its population, with 70% in rural households.

 

Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY):

  • Launched in 2016 as a large-scale crop insurance scheme.
  • Replaces three older initiatives: MNAIS, Weather-based Crop Insurance Scheme, and NAIS.

 

  • Objectives:
  • Provide cost-effective and extensive insurance coverage for crops.
  • Stabilize farmers' income and promote agricultural sustainability.
  • Facilitate access to credit and encourage modern farming practices.

 

  • Insurance Coverage:
  • Covers food crops, oilseeds, and annual commercial/horticultural crops.
  • Protection at all stages: sowing, growth, and post-harvest.
  • Exclusions include losses due to war, nuclear risks, and malicious damage.

 

  • Premiums:
  • Kharif crops: 2%, Rabi crops: 1.5%, Commercial/Horticultural crops: 5%.
  • Remaining premium covered by Central and State governments.

 

  • Beneficiaries:
  • All loanee and non-loanee farmers growing notified crops.

 

Restructured Weather-based Crop Insurance Scheme (RWBCIS):

  • Insurance protection based on weather indices for food crops, oilseeds, and commercial/horticultural crops.
  • Uniform premium rates: Kharif (2%), Rabi (1.5%), Commercial/Horticultural (5%).
  • Claims based on deviations from the guaranteed weather index.

 

Sandbox for Agricultural and Rural Security, Technology and Insurance (SARATHI):

  • Launched by the Ministry of Agriculture in collaboration with UNDP.
  • A comprehensive digital insurance platform covering health, life, agriculture, and more.
  • Enhances resilience and sustainability in agriculture.

 

Women’s Climate Shock Insurance and Livelihood Initiative (WCS):

  • Global initiative launched in India in April 2024 to protect women from extreme heat.
  • Provides microinsurance and cash assistance for temperature thresholds.
  • Includes early warning systems and protective equipment to support women’s livelihoods.

 

Source : https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/agri-business/india-lost-339-million-hectares-of-crops-due-to-excess-rains-says-wef-report/article68530030.ece