Gadag
Gadag Deputy Commissioner C.N. Sridhar has directed officials to use satellite data and conduct joint field surveys to assess crop losses and provide timely compensation to farmers under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana amid adverse weather conditions during the ongoing monsoon season.
Sridhar issued the directions while chairing a district-level high-level review meeting to discuss invoking the ‘Mid-Season Adversity’ provisions for monsoon crops. He said irregular rainfall, prolonged dry spells and other weather-related conditions had affected crops in several areas, making immediate assistance essential for affected farmers.
The Deputy Commissioner instructed officials and representatives of insurance companies to identify areas where crop losses were likely to exceed 50 per cent due to inadequate rainfall or prolonged dry conditions. Joint field inspections involving the Agriculture Department, Revenue Department and insurance companies should be conducted immediately, he said. Reports should be submitted as per the prescribed guidelines to facilitate payment of 25 per cent advance interim compensation to eligible farmers.
The meeting decided to use satellite-based indicators, including NDVI and NDWI, along with rainfall-related satellite data from KSNMDC, to scientifically assess crop growth and moisture conditions. Joint teams were directed to inspect affected agricultural fields and submit reports without delay.
Sridhar instructed officials to complete the Mid-Season Adversity process before the completion of harvesting so that eligible farmers receive fair compensation without unnecessary delays.
Joint Director of Agriculture Chetana Patil said the department was scientifically assessing the condition of maize, sunflower, groundnut and other monsoon crops. NDVI and moisture-index data were being examined to identify eligible Insurance Units that could be activated under the Mid-Season Adversity guidelines.
Patil said Agriculture Department officials, Revenue officials and insurance company representatives would coordinate closely to ensure that no eligible farmer was deprived of insurance benefits. She added that the department was committed to conducting an accurate assessment of crop damage and facilitating insurance benefits for registered eligible farmers according to the rules.
Officials from the Horticulture Department, Agriculture and Revenue departments, KSNMDC representatives and senior officials of insurance companies attended the meeting.
