Uttarakhand Farmers Engage with Shivraj Singh Chouhan: Commitment to Aid and Provide Resolutions Under Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan 2025
Hitting the Fields: Shivraj Singh Chouhan's Agricultural Journey through Uttarakhand
On day 9 of the 'Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan', Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan journeyed to Pawwala Sauda village, Dehradun district, Uttarakhand. During a Kisan Chaupal, he engaged directly with farmers, addressing their concerns and providing practical solutions for issues such as seed availability, irrigation, insurance, marketing, and fair pricing.
In a traditional setting amidst the fields, Chouhan listened intently to the obstacles shared by litchi, basmati rice, jackfruit, and vegetable farmers. The gathering included Uttarakhand's Agriculture Minister Ganesh Joshi and other senior state officials. Chouhan also participated in the "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam" campaign, planting a tree, emphasizing the government's commitment to environmental sustainability.
Addressing the gathering, Chouhan highlighted the central government's goal to double farmers' income and create a 'Viksit Bharat.' Sharing his personal experiences as a farmer, he stressed that such field visits allow him to assess the implementation of central schemes at the grassroots level and acquire firsthand feedback from the farming community.
Uttarakhand, known for its high-quality produce, particularly fruits, grains, and vegetables, was praised by Chouhan for its potential in the global market. He encouraged local officials to urgently address farmers' concerns and collaborate with both the central and state governments to make Uttarakhand a leading horticulture powerhouse.
A Closer Look: Understanding Crop Insurance in Uttarakhand
Usually, crop insurance in Uttarakhand falls under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojna (PMFBY). This scheme aims to offer financial aid to farmers in the event of crop damage due to natural disasters or other risks. By stabilizing agricultural income and promoting progressive farming practices, it helps enhance the flow of credit in agriculture.
Key Aspects of PMFBY
- Financing: Centrally funded, with a 50% central share and 50% state share.
- Implementation: Rolled out in the Kharif season of 2016.
- Coverage: Crops such as rice and wheat covered in all districts, while specific districts like Pauri Garhwal and Pithoragarh accommodate lentil crops.
- Premium: Farmers pay a premium of 1.5% for kharif crops, 2% for rabi crops, and 5% for horticulture crops.
Advantages of PMFBY
- Financial Security: Provides financial aid to farmers in the face of crop damage.
- Stable Income: Helps maintain financial stability for farmers, ensuring they can continue farming without undue financial strain.
- Crop Progress: Encourages the adoption of modern agricultural practices and advanced inputs.
- Credit Flow: Enhances the flow of credit in agriculture, bolstering food security and crop diversification.
Eligibility for PMFBY
- Farmers: Farmers holding land are eligible for the scheme.
- Registration: Farmers can register at their nearest Agriculture Office, Gram-One, CSC centre, bank, or post office.
Other Agricultural Initiatives
Recently, Uttarakhand unveiled several agricultural policies, including the Kiwi Policy, Dragon Fruit Policy, Apple Post-Harvest Management Scheme, and Millet Policy, aimed at boosting the agricultural sector. Although unrelated to crop insurance, these initiatives indicate the state's dedication to support farmers.
Private Crop Insurance Options
Alongside government schemes, private insurance companies like Kshema offer crop insurance policies tailored for small landholdings. These plans shield farmers against various hazards and provide competitive premium rates.
Applying for PMFBY
- Registration: Visit your nearest Agriculture Office for registration.
- Private Policies: Contact the relevant insurance companies directly for more information and application procedures.
Sourced On: 06 Jun 2025, 12:54 IST
In the midst of his agricultural journey, Shivraj Singh Chouhan emphasized the importance of crop insurance, particularly under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojna (PMFBY), during his visit to Uttarakhand. This scheme, launched in 2016, aims to offer financial aid to farmers in the event of crop damage, with a central and state share of funding, and covers various crops such as rice, wheat, and horticulture crops. The benefits of PMFBY include financial security, stable income, encouragement of modern agricultural practices, and enhanced credit flow in agriculture.
