Crop insurance deadline extended

NAGPUR: Giving in to Maharashtra government’s plea, the Centre has extended the deadline for the Prime Minister Crop Insurance Scheme by 10 days. The last date for filing applications under the scheme was July 31, but now farmers can file them by August 10.
In a tweet on Wednesday night, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis noted, “Good news for farmers! Last date for applying for crop insurance extended.” This happened after state-appointed task force for farm distressed districts took up with Fadnavis the need to allow more time to farmers as they were not able to put together the necessary documents for the scheme, which was started this year.
Vasantrao Naik Swavalamban Mission chief Kishore Tiwari had drawn the state’s attention to the farmers’ plight as the banks and revenue officials had been finding it tough to deal with the last minute rush to complete processing of insurance papers. Tiwari had requested that the date be extended till August 31.
“Last year, a lot of farmers got benefit from the crop insurance. So the state as well as the mission were keen on increasing its net to more farmers since the premium rates are very low and all terms favour farmers,” said Tiwari.