SHILLONG: An awareness programme on the Crop Insurance Scheme: Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) was organised by the Office of the District Horticulture Office, Nongpoh, Ri-Bhoi District at Bhoirymbong C&RD Block on Tuesday.
The objective of the programme was to create awareness among the farmers about the crop insurance scheme which aims at supporting sustainable production in agriculture by way of providing financial support to farmers suffering crop loss/damage arising out of unforeseen events and to ensure flow of credit to the agriculture sector.
All farmers availing Seasonal Agriculture Operations (SAO) loans from financial institutions for the notified crops would be covered compulsorily.
The scheme would be optional for the non-loaner farmers. Till date, only paddy, maize and ginger have been notified to be eligible for insurance in Ri-Bhoi. Inclusion of other crops grown in the district into the scheme is under process. Under the PMFBY Scheme, the maximum insurance charges payable by the farmer ranges from 1.5 per cent to 2.0 per cent to 5.0 per cent of the Sum Insured or Actuarial rate, whichever is less.
The programme was supported by the United Ri-Bhoi People & Farmers Association and as many as 538 farmers from 43 villages of Bhoirymbong took part in the awareness programme.
S.M Sangma, Monitoring & Evaluation Officer and S. Kharmawlong, Research Officer from the Directorate of Agriculture, Nayan Jyoti Phukan, Administrative Officer and Subhash Deka, Junior Assistant representing Agriculture Insurance Company of India Ltd, Guwahati were the resource persons.