State govts asked to implement new crop insurance scheme

NCIP will come into force with immediate effect from the winter season of the 2013-14 crop year

To insulate farmers from farming risks, Centre has directed the state governments to implement the new National Crop Insurance Programme (NCIP) covering compulsorily the loanee farmers, effective from the ongoing rabi (winter) season of this year.

The central scheme NCIP, also known as Rashtriya Fasal Bima Karyakram (RFBK), has been formulated by merging the Pilot Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme (WBCIS), Pilot Modified National Agricultural Insurance Scheme (MNAIS) and Pilot Coconut Palm Insurance Scheme (CPIS).

"Based on the recommendations of evaluation, experience gained through the implementation of various crop insurance schemes and the views of the stakeholders, various improvements have been incorporated in the component-schemes to make them more farmer friendly," the Agriculture Ministry said in a directive issued to the state governments.

Loanee farmers will be covered compulsorily under component scheme of NCIP notified by the concerned state, while non-loanee farmers will choose either MNAIS or WBCIS component, it said.

NCIP will come into force with immediate effect from the rabi (winter) season of the 2013-14 crop year (July-June). The earlier administrative instructions issued for the rabi season of 2013-14 stand superseded, it added.

As per the directive, the state governments have been asked to implement MNAIS and WBCIS component of NCIP as there is no budgetary provision for earlier NAIS scheme.

"MNAIS and WBCIS will be extended to all the districts from Rabi 2013-14 and NAIS will be rolled back simultaneously, with provision of compulsory coverage of the loanee farmers," the Ministry said.

MNAIS aims to provide insurance coverage and financial support to farmers in the event of crop loss due to natural calamities, pests and diseases.

On the other hand, the objective of WGCIS is to mitigate hardships of insured framers against likelihood of financial loss on account of any crop loss resulting from incidence of adverse weather conditions.

Both MNAIS and WGCIS cover food crops, oilseeds, commercial and horticultural crops.

The Centre further said that the private sector insurers with adequate infrastructure and experience will be permitted to implement NCIP besides Agriculture Insurance Company of India (AIC).

Since the model code of conduct has come into force with the recent annoucement of assembly elections in some states, the concerned states should ensure that no publicity is made in this regard, it added.