- Major changes proposed in Pik Vima Yojana to include tenant farmers and livestock keepers.
- Government plans to extend crop insurance coverage to 40% more farmers, including those without land ownership.
- Compensation payment process may be aligned with PM Kisan Yojana model for timely benefits.
Pik Vima Yojana Maharashtra is set to witness significant changes that will broaden its reach and benefits for farmers across the state. The agriculture department is considering expanding the scope of this crop insurance scheme to include tenant farmers who cultivate leased land, livestock owners, and those holding Kisan Credit Cards (KCC). This step will help enhance insurance coverage and financial protection for millions of farmers.
Key Benefits and Expansion under Pik Vima Yojana Maharashtra
Currently, out of approximately 14 crore farmers in India, only about 4.1 crore are covered under the Pik Vima Yojana, which accounts for around 40% of the total crop area insured. However, a large share of farmers, about 40%, do not own land but cultivate through lease agreements. The government aims to include these tenant farmers under the crop insurance scheme by linking their insurance to the landowner’s Farmer ID.
This inclusion will widen coverage, ensuring that farmers who previously remained outside the safety net of crop insurance can now benefit from protection against crop losses caused by natural calamities or pests. Besides, livestock owners will also gain access to insurance benefits, improving their economic resilience.
Improved Compensation Process Inspired by PM Kisan Yojana
One important update is the plan to streamline compensation payments under the Pik Vima Yojana based on the PM Kisan Yojana model, where benefits are disbursed in three equal installments annually. This change aims to minimize delays often witnessed in various states in paying crop loss compensation, ensuring timely financial support to affected farmers.
Premium Sharing and Inclusion Mechanism
Regarding insurance premiums, the existing cost-sharing ratio is 40% by the Central Government, 48% by the respective State Government, and 12% by the farmers themselves. The proposed expansion will allow tenant farmers to be included upon the landowner’s consent by linking their coverage to the landowner’s Farmer ID, thus simplifying the enrollment process.
Addressing Crop Loss Due to Wildlife
To manage compensation for crop damages caused by wild animal attacks, authorities have formed a dedicated committee to finalize a mechanism for efficient and fair compensation, further strengthening the scheme’s coverage scope.
How Can Farmers Apply and Check Eligibility?
Farmers interested in enrolling or verifying their eligibility for Pik Vima Yojana should keep an eye on official announcements from the Agriculture Department of Maharashtra. The scheme typically requires details such as land records or Farmer ID and Kisan Credit Card information, especially for tenant farmers eager to be included through landowner consent.
Ensuring timely premium payment is critical for claim eligibility. Farmers can usually apply through their nearest Agriculture office banks or online portals as directed by the state government.
These enhancements in the Pik Vima Yojana Maharashtra are designed to make crop insurance more inclusive and beneficial for all farmers, ensuring financial security and boosting agricultural productivity in the long run.