18-07-2025
Raising awareness on crop insurance among farmers is officials' duty, says DC Fouzia Taranum
With the onset of the monsoon and sowing activities gaining pace, Deputy Commissioner of Kalaburagi, Fouzia Taranum, has directed officials to actively raise awareness among farmers about the importance of availing crop insurance under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY).
Chairing a meeting of bank officials involved in crop loan disbursement at her office on Friday, Ms. Taranum stressed that educating farmers about the need for crop insurance is not just a recommendation but a responsibility for all banks that have issued agricultural loans.
'In Kalaburagi district, over three lakh farmers have received agricultural loans totalling ₹3,800 crore from various banks. Every one of these beneficiaries must be made aware of the benefits of crop insurance,' she said. 'The premium amount for crop insurance is minimal, but the protection it offers during unforeseen calamities is enormous. It is essential to convince all these farmers to enrol in the scheme by July 31 and achieve 100% coverage.'
She added that if officials and bankers fail to carry out the awareness drive and enrolment effectively, strict action would be initiated against them. 'Each bank and department must ensure that crop insurance details, particularly the major crops of the district, are disseminated at the taluk and gram panchayat levels, while other crop details should be shared at the hobli level,' she said.
For the 2025-26 Kharif season, IFFCO-Tokio General Insurance Company Ltd. has been appointed as the implementing insurance agency for the Kalaburagi district under the PMFBY.
Farmers seeking more information on the scheme can call the helpline number 1800-200-5142 or visit their nearest Raita Samparka Kendra or Assistant Director of Agriculture office.
Ms. Taranum also instructed the Agriculture Department to make full use of media channels to create mass awareness about crop insurance and ensure that farmers understand its benefits and procedures.
Joint Director of Agriculture, Samad Patel, and senior officials from various banks participated in the meeting.
