India: Farmers get crop insurance for barley

Farmers in the Chandigarh state have got Rs 3,780 per acre as crop insurance claim from Agriculture Insurance Company for barley crop grown under contract farming scheme promoted by Hafed, Express India reported May 28.

Hafed provided weather-based AIC crop insurance to willing farmers covered under contract farming of barley in 2007-08 by paying 50 per cent of insurance premium in Haily Mandi area. Insurance coverage was against variation in temperature and rainfall from the normal limits.

Hafed had tied up with SKOL Breweries and this tie-up is likely to benefit farmers by directly linking them to the industry, without the interference of any middleman, thereby getting better prices for their produce.

A minimum buyback price of Rs 800 per quintal was guaranteed to the farmers who get themselves registered for contract farming. Farmers having 2,300 acres in the area of Gurgaon and Sirsa opted for this scheme. They were provided professional field extension services free of cost. Good quality seed was provided to farmers which was sourced from government agencies. Around 865 MT of barley has been procured so far in Gurgaon and Sirsa districts. Against a commitment of Rs 800 per quintal, farmers were paid a price ranging between Rs 910 per quintal and Rs 1,205 per quintal for 865 MT barley purchased from them during the current season.

29 May, 2008