Contrary to the state government’s claims, the response to the Prime Minister Crop Insurance scheme in Maharashtra is lukewarm. About 49 lakh farmers have registered for the insurance this year against the last year’s number of 83 lakh farmers. State agriculture minister Pandurang Fundkar said, “The response is lukewarm as it has now been made voluntary to the farmers without agriculture loan. The crop insurance helped the drought-hit farmers in recovering Rs 4,205 crore, of which more than 80% was claimed by the Marathwada farmers. The insurance premium paid towards the insurance of Rs 8559 crore was Rs 405 crore, including the farmers share of Rs 319 crore.

Source: Hindustan Times September 06, 2016 19:07 UTC