Over 1,900 farmers file claims for wheat damage

KURUKSHETRA: After recent spell of rain in the region, as many as 1,939 applications have been filed in Kurukshetra district to seek claim for damage to wheat crop under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana since February 29.

In Kurukshetra, the government has tied up with Agriculture Insurance Company of India (AICI) for insuring wheat crop.

District coordinator of AICI Yashjit said, "Due to recent spell of rain since February 29, farmers of Kurukshetra have filed claims for damage to wheat crop on around 6,600 acres mainly in Pehowa and Thanesar blocks. We have received insurance claim applications from Ladwa and Shahabad blocks as well, but major loss is reported from Pehowa and Thanesar."

The agriculture officials said after receiving the applications, a physical survey would be conducted by insurance company and department officials to ascertain exact loss and compensation would be released accordingly.

Yashjit said, "The process of receiving applications is still ongoing as it rained in Pehowa area on Wednesday as well. We are sending a day-to-day report to the officials of the agriculture department."

He added that the farmers had started to submit application forms after rain spells on February 29 and March 5 onwards. Kurukshetra deputy director agriculture (DDA) Pardeep Meel said, "We had kept the agriculture offices at the block level open on holidays as well so that the farmers do not face inconvenience in submitting their application forms. The officials of the insurance company have also been asked to assist the farmers during holidays."

Source: The Times of India