Prayagraj: Heavy and incessant rains have damaged standing crops of farmers across the state. However, the Yogi government in order to compensate for losses caused by excessive rainfall, has launched a campaign encouraging farmers to opt for crop insurance.Prayagraj was one of the 10 districts across the state that recorded rainfall 120% above normal levels. According to the Meteorological department, Prayagraj typically receives 503 mm of rainfall between June and August, however, this year, the district recorded 619.7 mm during the same period—123% of the normal average. This excessive rainfall has damaged standing crops, leaving farmers worried and distressed.In Prayagraj district, the impact of the heavy rainfall has been most severe in areas prone to waterlogging.Pawan Kumar Vishwakarma, Deputy Director (Agriculture) said that vegetable crops have been hit the hardest, as they perish after remaining submerged in water for two days. Paddy crops have also been affected due to prolonged waterlogging. A survey and assessment of the damage are currently underway in the district. Approximately 15 to 18% of the sown crops have been affected by the excessive rainfall, with paddy crops impacted across 81 villages.The state government provides financial assistance to farmers through two primary channels when crops are damaged by heavy rain, excessive downpours, or unseasonal rainfall. If a farmer’s crop is insured, the loss is compensated through the insurance company. Following rainfall or waterlogging, farmers are required to report the damage to the insurance company or the agriculture department within 72 hours as this can be done via the toll-free number 14447 or the crop insurance app. In cases of waterlogging, claims are approved based on an assessment of damage at the individual farm level. The district administration is alerted immediately after the damage occurs, prompting a joint inspection of the affected fields by the Lekhpal (revenue official), agriculture department officials, and insurance company representatives to evaluate the extent of the loss.Vishwakarma, meanwhile, said that a special campaign is being conducted to raise awareness among farmers whose crops have suffered damage due to heavy rainfall but who have not yet obtained crop insurance, urging them to insure their crops by August 31. For farmers who do not have crop insurance, the state government provides financial assistance from its disaster relief fund. Under the regulations, farmers are entitled to compensation if their crops suffer damage of 33% or more due to excessive rainfall or floods. Once the damage assessment is complete, the financial assistance is transferred directly to the farmer’s bank account.
