Delhi, 21 November (H.S.): In a significant move providing substantial relief to the nation's farmers, Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, announced on Friday a major expansion of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY). The flagship crop insurance scheme will now offer coverage for crop losses caused by two critical issues: wild animal attacks and waterlogging due to excessive rainfall.

The minister confirmed this development through a post on the social media platform 'X', stating that the government was addressing long-standing demands from the farming community. I am sharing good news with you today. Now, compensation will be provided for crop damage inflicted by wild animals. Additionally, losses resulting from floods or waterlogging due to excessive rain have also been incorporated into the scheme, Chauhan wrote.

He further elaborated that these two specific causes of crop failure had not been covered under the PMFBY until now, despite persistent requests from farmers. I want to inform you that both these risks are now being covered under the crop insurance scheme, the minister affirmed.

If wild animals damage crops, compensation will be given. If crops are damaged due to waterlogging, that loss will also be compensated.

This policy update is expected to provide a crucial financial safety net for farmers who frequently face devastating losses from human-wildlife conflict and extreme weather events.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar