Centre brings in new norms for covering crop loss, Pg1

Key Highlights:

• The Union Agriculture Ministry has introduced new norms under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) to cover crop loss from wild animal attacks and paddy inundation.
• Crop loss due to wild animal attacks will be recognized as the fifth ‘Add-on Cover’ under the ‘Localised Risk’ category.
• These norms will be effective from the 2026 Kharif season.
• Farmers must report losses within 72 hours using the Crop Insurance app with geotagged photos.

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Detailed Insights:

• Farmers' groups have been advocating for compensation for crop losses caused by both wild animal attacks and paddy inundation.
• States will identify vulnerable districts and wild animals responsible for crop damage based on historical data.
• The coverage aims to benefit states with high human-wildlife conflict, including Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and others.
• This initiative is expected to provide financial security to farmers facing crop damage from unforeseen events.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY): A government-sponsored crop insurance scheme to provide financial support to farmers suffering crop losses.
• Kharif Season: The crop sowing season during the monsoon months, typically from June to November.
• Localised Risk: Specific risks like hailstorms, landslides, and now wild animal attacks, that cause crop damage in isolated areas.