Prime Minister Inaugarates Krishi Unnati Mela PM Confers Krishi Karman Awards Honble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated Krishi Unnati Mela- the National Level Agriculture Fair-cum-Exhibition in New Delhi today. Honble Prime Minister conferred Krishi Karman Awards. He also visited the Theme Pavilion and addressed the farmers. Krishi Unnati Mela is organized jointly by the Department of Agriculture, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India and Indian Agriculture Research Institute (IARI), Pusa, New Delhi at Indian Agriculture Research Institute from March 19-21, 2016. On inauguration day, the prestigious National level Krishi Karman Awards for the Best performing States of the year 2014-15 were presented to 8 State Governments, which were received by the Chief Minister of respective states. Besides this, 3 states were also be given commendation awards for total food grains production. These awards are instituted to facilitate the best performing States in food grains production. The objective of these awards is to encourage and motivate the states to enhance production and productivity of rice, wheat, pulses and coarse cereals and oilseeds. Prime Minister also visited Theme Pavilion, one of the major attractions at the Krishi Unnati Mela, has showcased the entire scheme of things happening in the agriculture sector. The pavilion has 8 zones viz. agro-climatic variety in India; water as an input to agriculture; Soil Health; Technology theme showcasing important Government schemes; Animal Husbandry and Fisheries; Agri-rejuvenation, Agri- Technology; and Horticulture. With the initiative of Honble Prime Minister, a new scheme PM Fasal Bima Yojana has been approved for implementation across the country. An allocation of Rs. 5500 crore has been made in the Budget 2016-17 under Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana which was Rs. 3185 crore in previous budget. There is an increase of about 73 % in this scheme. Technical session on Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana chaired by Secretary, department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare is also held on inaugural day. In the new scheme, short-comings in Crop Insurance Scheme have been removed. Salient Features of PM Fasal Bima Yojana were discussed are as follows: This is the biggest financial support till date by the Central Government in Crop Insurance, while farmers will now have to pay the lowest premium till date for availing Crop Insurance. The balance premium burden will be borne by the Government - even if it is more than 90% of the total premium. For food-grains, pulses and oilseeds, there will be one season one rate for the farmer. Different rates for different crops for different districts have been removed. For Kharif: maximum 2% and for Rabi: maximum 1.5% premium is to be paid by farmers. Farmers will get full financial security there will be no capping on the premium rates and no reduction in the sum insured. For the first time, inundation has been included in the category of localized risks. For the first time, risks of post harvest losses due to cyclone and unseasonal rainfall have been included for coverage across the country. For the first time, mobile and satellite technology will be used for correct estimation and quick payment of claims to farmers. Under this scheme, provisions have been made for creation of mass awareness and publicity through media so that the number of insured farmers can be increased from present 20% to 50% in the next 2-3 years.
