(d) Extending risk coverage to prevented sowing / planting, in adverse seasonal conditions The existing scheme covers risk, only from sowing to harvesting. Many a time sowing planting is prevented, due to adverse seasonal conditions and the farmer not only loses his initial investment, but also loses the opportunity value of the crop. The Joint Group felt that a situation where the farmer is prevented from even sowing the field, is a case of extreme hardship and this risk must be covered. As per the Joint Group, pre-sowing risk particularly prevented / failed sowing / reseeding on account of adverse seasonal conditions, would be covered, wherein up to 25% of sum insured could be paid as compensation, covering the input cost incurred till that stage. The Working Group felt that the proposed improvement is laudable, but simultaneously, it is important to examine, whether this should bean ‘add-on’ benefit with the main cover, or an integral part of the main cover itself. The Working Group also felt, that payouts under this cover, should be largely parametric, using rainfall, sowing data and field reports.
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