ALAPPUZHA: Kuttanad farmers were demanding Weather-Based Crop Insurance (WBCI) cover along with Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) for long, but to no avail. The two components of the National Crop Insurance Programme were extended to paddy, plantain, cashew, sugarcane, mango, and tapioca in 2015. But Alappuzha, Pathanamthitta and Kottayam districts were excluded from WBCIS. D. Rajesh, its regional manager, said there were grim chances for them to be on WBSCI. They were brought under the PMFBY considering geographical significances. “Since it’s below sea-level, there is every chance for crop loss irrespective of weather,” he told this newspaper.
“The second paddy crops in the state is under WBCI except for the three districts based on the data some 130 local weather stations provide. If there are crop losses without weather variations, farmers will be ineligible for a claim.” Though the WBCI is meant for Kharif and rabi seasons, it applies to some crops for an extended time frame, like the December-May period for cashew. Under PMFBY, he said, the yield of the particular crop decided by the state government is the criterion, and all will be eligible for compensation if it falls below the stipulated limit.
The scheme for cashew is implemented in Palakkad, Kozhikode, Kannur, Kasar-agod, and Malappuram districts and for sugarcane, Idukki and Palakkad. Farmers ask why Kuttanad was excluded and demand the government conduct a study. Every season, they take bank loans, and the natural calamities make them broke. "So Union and state governments should take immediate steps to include them," said Fr Thomas Peelianickal, executive director, Kuttanad Vikasana Samithy (VKS), an NGO.
