Has TN Extended the Deadline for Paddy Crop Insurance to Nov 30?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Deadline Extended: Enrollment for the Paddy Crop Insurance Scheme is now open until November 30.
- Farmers' Concerns Addressed: The extension considers the impact of unseasonal rains and administrative delays.
- Increased Enrollment: 6.27 lakh farmers have insured their crops, marking a significant increase from last year.
- Government Support: The Tamil Nadu government, with quick support from the Union government, is actively aiding farmers.
- Importance of Insurance: Crop insurance is critical for protecting farmers against unpredictable weather conditions.
Chennai, Nov 16 (NationPress) In a significant relief for paddy farmers throughout Tamil Nadu, the State government declared on Sunday that the enrollment deadline for the Samba, Thaladi, and Pishanam Paddy Crop Insurance Scheme has been prolonged until November 30. This decision comes after receiving approval from the Union government, coinciding with persistent rainfall, a delayed Kuruvai harvest, and the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, which have hampered insurance applications in various districts.
The Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister, M.R.K. Panneerselvam, emphasized that this extension is vital to ensure that no farmer is left out due to administrative delays or adverse weather conditions.
He highlighted that samba cultivation is thriving this season, with 26.25 lakh acres already cultivated across the state.
As per the Minister, 6.27 lakh farmers have insured 15 lakh acres, achieving a coverage rate of 57 percent. This represents a marked improvement compared to the same period last year, when only around 10 lakh acres were insured.
Officials attribute this growth to effective field-level awareness, timely irrigation, and better access to enrollment centers.
The previous deadline of November 15 was set for farmers in 27 districts including Thanjavur, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, Tiruvarur, Madurai, Pudukkottai, Karur, Salem, Tiruppur, Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, Theni, Ramanathapuram, Tiruchi, Ariyalur, Vellore, Ranipet, Tirupathur, Tiruvannamalai, Dharmapuri, Villupuram, Kallakurichi, Perambalur, Sivaganga, Cuddalore, Tiruvallur, and Erode.
Panneerselvam noted that the State has received numerous requests from farmers and their associations, indicating that unseasonal rain and administrative delays have hindered their ability to file applications timely.
Responding to these concerns, the Tamil Nadu government requested the Centre to extend the deadline.
Thanks to the prompt action of Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, the Union government granted the extension, according to the Minister.
He encouraged all remaining uninsured farmers to complete their enrollment before the new deadline by visiting e-Sevai centers, Primary Agricultural Cooperative Credit Societies (PACCS), or nationalised banks.
Agriculture Department officials have been instructed to enhance field visits, mobilize community outreach teams, and ensure maximum participation in the insurance scheme, which is essential for mitigating crop loss risks during the northeast monsoon.
The government reiterated that farmers must act promptly to enroll, as the insurance coverage is crucial to protect them against unpredictable weather during the samba season.