Drought hit farmers to get compensation

During the year 2014-15, due to deficient monsoon, Governments of Haryana declared drought in 21 districts, Uttar Pradesh in 44 districts, Karnataka in 9 districts, Maharashtra in 26 districts and Andhra Pradesh in 7 districts of the State. These States had also submitted detailed Memoranda seeking financial assistance from National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) for drought relief. Inter-Ministerial Central Teams (IMCTs) visited the affected States to assess the drought situation and submitted reports. Government of India approved Rs.777.34 crore to Uttar Pradesh, Rs. 200.35 crore to Karnataka, Rs.168.87 crore to Haryana, Rs.1962.99 crore to Maharashtra and Rs.237.51 crore to Andhra Pradesh from NDRF in the wake of drought for distribution as relief assistance to farmers.

In order to protect farmers against crop failure due to natural calamities, pest & diseases, weather conditions, Government of India has recently introduced the National Crop Insurance Scheme (NCIP) with component schemes of Modified National Agricultural Insurance Scheme (MNAIS), Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme (WBCIS) and Coconut Palm Insurance Scheme (CPIS). In addition, National Agricultural Insurance Scheme (NAIS) which was to be withdrawn after implementation of NCIP from Rabi 2013-14 has been extended further. The State Government of Maharashtra had notified only two schemes namely; NAIS & WBCIS during Rabi 2014-15 season. The compensation is distributed to the farmers as per terms & conditions of the schemes concerned who have insured their crops under the scheme.