How is Bengal Supporting Flood-Hit Farmers with Crop Insurance?
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Synopsis
West Bengal is stepping up its support for farmers affected by recent floods. Special registration camps are being set up to ensure rapid enrollment in the crop insurance scheme, aiming to alleviate the devastation caused by natural disasters. Over 18,000 hectares of agricultural land are currently affected, raising urgent concerns in the farming community.
Key Takeaways
- West Bengal government launches registration camps for flood-hit farmers.
- Over 18,000 hectares of agricultural land affected by flooding.
- Farmers facing significant crop losses, particularly in paddy and maize.
- Special measures implemented to ensure food access for residents.
- Government response reflects commitment to support agricultural community.
Kolkata, Oct 9 (NationPress) The West Bengal government has launched special registration camps for farmers affected by floods in northern Bengal to facilitate their quick enrollment in the state's crop insurance scheme following recent natural calamities, as confirmed by state government officials on Thursday.
Officials from the state agriculture department are engaging with the farmers impacted by the floods to accelerate the registration process for insurance coverage, according to a senior administrative source.
The government reports that heavy, persistent rainfall has led to river overflows, resulting in widespread flooding in various regions including Jalpaiguri, Darjeeling, Cooch Behar, and Alipurduar districts of northern Bengal.
There is an increasing alarm within the farming community about extensive crop destruction in these areas. While the precise scale of the losses is yet to be determined, preliminary assessments indicate significant damage to vegetables and essential crops, particularly paddy and maize.
Government data reveals that approximately 18,452 hectares of agricultural land have been inundated due to flooding thus far. Jalpaiguri district is the most severely affected, with about 13,953 hectares underwater. In Alipurduar, around 3,495 hectares of farmland are submerged, while Darjeeling and Cooch Behar have reported 582 hectares and 422 hectares submerged, respectively.
Following directives from Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, State Panchayat Minister Pradip Majumdar visited the flood-impacted areas of northern Bengal on Wednesday to evaluate the situation.
He toured multiple affected locations to assess the damage and will compile a comprehensive report on agricultural losses for the Chief Minister.
Furthermore, the Agricultural Marketing Department has established 29 additional Sufal Bangla stalls to guarantee that residents have access to vegetables at reasonable prices in the upcoming days.
Various food items, including 150 quintals of potatoes, have been sent from several Sufal Bangla centers to relief camps in flood-affected areas, as reported by a government official.
Point of View
It is imperative to acknowledge the swift response of the West Bengal government in the wake of these natural disasters. The launch of registration camps for crop insurance represents a vital measure to support the farming community during such challenging times. It reflects a commitment to safeguarding the livelihoods of those affected and ensuring agricultural sustainability.
NationPress
09/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the reason for the flooding in northern Bengal?
The flooding in northern Bengal has been caused by heavy and continuous rainfall, leading to rivers overflowing and submerging large areas of agricultural land.
How much agricultural land has been affected?
Approximately 18,452 hectares of agricultural land have been reported as submerged due to the recent flooding.
What crops have been damaged?
Significant damage has been reported to vegetables, as well as major crops like paddy and maize.
What measures is the government taking for farmers?
The government is organizing special registration camps for farmers to facilitate rapid enrollment in the crop insurance scheme.
How can residents access food during the floods?
The Agricultural Marketing Department has established extra Sufal Bangla stalls to provide residents with vegetables at fair prices.
