The farmers in Chikkamagaluru taluk, who had claimed compensation for crop loss during rabi season in 2016-17 under Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, have still not been paid the insurance amount. 

A total of 2,302 farmers had registered for crop insurance and had paid the premium. Owing to deficit rainfall, the crops were damaged. Accordingly, 1,670 farmers were eligible for insured amount. Even after two years, the insurance company has not paid the insurance amount of crop loss to the farmers. 

“More than 400 farmers in Malalooru, KR Pete and Moogthihalli gram panchayat jurisdiction had insured paddy, jowar, potato and sugarcane crops. None of them have received the claim so far,” Taluk Panchayat member K U Mahesh told DH.

The farmers said, “We have paid the premium. Now, that we have suffered crop loss, the officials are unable to answer to us.”

Universal Sompo General Insurance was the insurance company for Fasal Bima Yojana in Chikkamagaluru during 2016-17. In spite of bringing the issue of non-payment of insurance amount to the notice of elected representatives and officials, no action has been taken so far, they added. 

The list of eligible farmers for insurance amount was prepared after conducting a joint survey of crop loss by departments of revenue, agriculture, horticulture, and panchayat raj institutions. 

Farmer Sidde Gowda suspects fraud by the insurance company. The officials in the district are not aware of the office of the insurance company. There is a need to file a case against the insurance company, he said.

Taluk Assistant Agriculture Director Venkatesh said, “We had furnished the statistics on crop loss to the insurance firm. The insurance firm is following delayed tactics in paying the insurance amount. We do not have any power to act against insurance firm.”