New crop insurance scheme by April-end: Minister

The central government is planning to launch agriculture crop insurance scheme in a new format by the end of next month, a Union minister said today.
The agriculture ministry has discussed with farmer organisations, agriculture experts and other stakeholders and the scheme is likely to be launched by the end of April, Union Minister of State for Agriculture Mohanbhai Kundariya said.
Kundariya was in Ajmer today to meet rain-affected farmers and assured them of full support from the government.
The minister said that the Centre has rushed a high level team to the state to assess the situation and losses due to the rain and affected farmers will be adequately compensated.

"Prime Minister is well aware of the damage and losses to the agriculture sector due to rains and has directed to provide assistance and help to the farmers of Rajasthan, Haryana and Punjab after the reports from the state," a release quoting Kundariya said.
Rajasthan Agriculture Minister Prabhu Lal Saini and Home Minister Gulabchand Kataria were also present during the visit of the minister in Vijaynagar of Ajmer.