Bhubaneswar: Amid extensive damage to paddy crops caused by unseasonal rain and reports of a farmer ending his life over the loss, the Odisha government on Thursday asked insurance companies to ensure quick processing of claims of distressed farmers.
In a warning to insurance companies, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said the government will take action if farmers are harassed or if delay takes place in processing claims.
Crop insurance policies are not meant for giving profits to companies but to support farmers during crises, the Minister said insurance companies must act sensitively towards farmers during times of natural calamities. Over 20,000 farmers have already applied for crop insurance by December 24, he said.
The Minister’s statement came amid reports of mounting crop loss from different parts of the state due to unseasonal rain triggered by a low-pressure over the Bay of Bengal. The government has already assured farmers of speedy assessment of crop damage and disbursement of compensation. District Collectors have been directed to complete the assessment process within three to four days.
Meanwhile, a report from Ganjam district said that a farmer allegedly died by suicide following extensive damage to paddy crops caused by the unseasonal rain.
The deceased has been identified as Banamali Penthei, a sharecropper of Badamadhapur in Baranga area of Ganjam district. He leaves behind four daughters and a son.
As per sources, Banamali, had borrowed around Rs two lakh for farming in five-acre land in the village. However, unseasonal rain caused extensive damage to harvested paddy, which got sprouted. Unable to bear the huge loss, the allegedly ended his life inside a toilet.
On receiving information, a police team visited the spot and initiated investigation into the incident.
On the other hand, authorities admitted to the crop loss report due to unseasonal rain in the state and decided to open the mandi following damage assessment.
Minister Pujari said the mandi will be reopened in view of the current situation and the schedule will be notified soon. The assessment of crop loss is yet to be conducted due to incessant rain. A meeting with the Agriculture and Cooperation departments along with other departments is scheduled on December 28, he said.
He said that the Chief Minister will be informed about the situation after receiving the crop damage report.
