The Hindu

Mangalore, Jul 5: The Department of Agriculture, Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat, has taken steps to promote the National Agricultural Insurance Scheme (NAIS) in Dakshina Kannada district this kharif season.

The scheme was being implemented in the district since the kharif season of 2000, a press release from the Joint Director, Department of Agriculture here, said.

It would cover farmers in the district against loss of income because of crop loss in natural disasters or through disease. It would encourage farmers to adopt progressive farming methods, use high value agriculture tools and better technology and provide for income stability in a year where crops were affected by the disaster.

NAIS would be applicable to all 16 hoblis of the district except Mangalore-A hobli in Mangalore taluk this kharif season.

Hoblis are the designated area for consideration while implementing the scheme. Rain-fed paddy is the designated crop, which will be covered under NAIS. All farmers who grow the designated crop are eligible to join the scheme.

Farmers who have availed crop loans have to compulsorily register with the department under the scheme.

Farmers will be eligible for compensation when the crop loss is for reasons beyond their control.

In the eventuality of crop loss because of landslip, insurance claim will be assessed individually.

Farmers in such cases should inform their respective financing agency or call Agriculture Insurance Company of India, Bangalore, on 080-25322860. The agriculture insurance amount may be equivalent to the amount expected from the first yield of the designated crop.

The last date for obtaining insurance is 30 days after the saplings have been transplanted from the nursery to the field or July 31, whichever is earlier. Small and tiny farmers will get a rebate of 10 per cent on the total premium payable. Those interested can call 0824-2424003.