Pilot Project for Weather-Based Crop Insurance Scheme Launched in Shopian
Shopian, May 22 (PTK): A comprehensive farmer awareness programme on the Weather-Based Crop Insurance Scheme was organised on Thursday at Mini Secretariat Shopian as part of a pilot project aimed at protecting apple growers against climate-related crop losses.
The pilot project has been launched jointly by SKUAST Kashmir, SMARTX and ICICI Lombard General Insurance Company for apple growers in Shopian district.
Dr Nasir Ahmed Lone chaired the programme as Chief Guest and emphasized the importance of crop insurance in safeguarding farmers against losses caused by adverse weather conditions, natural calamities and other unforeseen risks.
He said the programme was aimed at bridging the information gap regarding crop insurance schemes and ensuring that farmers are fully aware about benefits, registration procedures and claim settlement mechanisms.
The ADDC stressed the need for greater awareness among apple growers so that they can secure their livelihoods through timely enrollment under the scheme. He also highlighted the importance of coordinated efforts by departments and field functionaries to ensure maximum farmer participation.
Speaking on the occasion, Professor Sameera highlighted the growing challenges posed by climate change and stressed the importance of weather-based crop insurance for protecting the farming community.
She said abnormal temperature variations, excessive rainfall, hailstorms and other weather-related events are increasingly affecting agriculture and horticulture, making insurance an essential support mechanism for farmers.
She also emphasized timely dissemination of weather-based advisories to farmers to help minimize crop damage and encouraged adoption of climate-resilient farming practices.
Among others, Pranab Malik, Zaffar Afroz Badri, Abhijeet Bose and Chief Horticulture Officer Shopian also addressed the gathering.
Experts explained how crop insurance serves as a safety net for farmers by mitigating losses caused by unseasonal rains, drought-like conditions, hailstorms, pest attacks and other climate-related risks.
Farmers were provided detailed information regarding the registration process, digital claim submission and application tracking system. A dedicated helpdesk was also established during the programme to address queries related to premium calculation, claim settlement and delayed payouts.
The participating farmers appreciated the initiative and actively interacted with insurance representatives, experts and officials regarding various insurance-related issues.
The programme concluded with an interactive question-answer session between farmers and insurance representatives.(PTK)
