Should Farmers in TN's Two Districts Get More Time to Register for Crop Insurance?
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Synopsis
Farmers in Tamil Nadu's Ramanathapuram and Madurai districts are urging for an extension on the crop insurance registration deadline. With a significant rise in enrolment due to weather-related losses, their plea highlights the critical need for enhanced protections for their livelihoods. Can state and central authorities respond in time to safeguard these farmers?
Key Takeaways
- Farmers in Tamil Nadu are advocating for an extension of the crop insurance registration deadline.
- A significant increase in insurance enrolment reflects heightened awareness among farmers.
- Concerns about compensation processes need to be addressed to prevent future losses.
- Outreach initiatives are planned to educate farmers on insurance benefits.
- The November 15 deadline is a crucial date for many cultivators.
Chennai, Nov 11 (NationPress) Farmers from the Ramanathapuram and Madurai districts have made an urgent appeal to both the state government and the central authorities to extend the crop insurance registration deadline past November 15. This request comes in response to a noticeable increase in enrolment and ongoing financial setbacks due to unpredictable weather patterns in recent years.
In the Ramanathapuram district, officials have reported that 1,04,843 hectares have been reconciled for Samba paddy cultivation this season, with 36,889 hectares registered for insurance—representing a remarkable increase from 11,660 hectares during the same timeframe last year.
Meanwhile, in Madurai, 6,524 hectares of Samba crop area have been reconciled, with 410 hectares insured this year, compared to a mere 70 hectares last year.
Farmers attribute this spike in enrolment to a rising awareness of the essential role of insurance following numerous crop failures caused by floods, droughts, and pest infestations.
“Many are still in the midst of applying. Given our ongoing losses over the years, farmers now recognize the necessity of insurance protection. The government should consider extending the deadline by a few additional days,” stated a farmer from Ramanathapuram.
However, farmer representatives have expressed concerns regarding unresolved issues in the assessment and compensation processes. A senior member of the association noted that several farmers in Kamuthi who experienced visible damage last year were denied compensation due to procedural errors.
“It is critical for the authorities to streamline assessments and ensure timely and equitable compensation disbursement,” the representative emphasized.
In Madurai, the uptick in enrolment is linked to previous experiences with pest attacks and crop failures. “Last season's hardships have been a valuable lesson for us. This year, farmers are prioritizing insurance for protection,” remarked K. Karuppanan, a farmer from the area.
Agriculture Department officials have confirmed a notable increase in registrations compared to last year, although awareness remains limited in some areas. “Many farmers are still uninformed about the benefits. We aim to conduct outreach initiatives to enhance participation before the deadline,” said a senior official.
As the November 15 deadline approaches, farmer associations have reiterated their call for a brief extension, hoping that more cultivators can safeguard their livelihoods through insurance coverage this Samba season.
Point of View
It is crucial to highlight the farmers' concerns regarding the crop insurance registration deadline. Their increased awareness of the need for insurance, driven by erratic weather patterns, underscores the need for timely intervention by the government. Ensuring fair compensation and streamlined processes is essential for sustaining agricultural livelihoods in these regions.
NationPress
12/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are farmers asking for an extension on the insurance registration deadline?
Farmers are seeking an extension due to increased enrolment in crop insurance and ongoing losses from unpredictable weather, which have highlighted the necessity of insurance protection.
How much crop area has been registered for insurance this year?
In Ramanathapuram, 36,889 hectares of Samba paddy have been registered for insurance, while Madurai has 410 hectares insured this year.
What challenges are farmers facing regarding compensation?
Farmers have raised concerns about unresolved issues in the assessment and compensation processes, with some being denied compensation due to procedural lapses.
What measures are being taken to increase awareness about crop insurance?
Agriculture Department officials are planning outreach initiatives to educate farmers about the benefits of crop insurance before the registration deadline.
How has past experience influenced farmers' decisions on insurance?
Past experiences of crop failures due to pests and adverse weather have made farmers more aware of the importance of insurance for safeguarding their livelihoods.
