Hans News Service Amaravati

Agricultureminister KAtchannaidu has urged farmers to enrol in the crop insurance scheme before the month-end deadline, cautioning that El Nino could lead to rainfall deficits and erratic weather, increasing the risk of crop losses.

Speaking in the Assembly, the minister said unpredictable weather conditions made crop insurance an essential financial safeguard against natural calamities and inadequate rainfall. He appealed to farmers not to wait until the last day to complete registration.

Atchannaidu said farmers bear only a small portion of the insurance premium, with the amount varying according to the crop and region. The Centre and State governments bear the remaining premium burden, he said, urging farmers to make use of the scheme by paying the nominal premium.

The minister called on MLAs to take personal responsibility for increasing insurance coverage in their constituencies rather than leaving the task entirely to the agriculture department.

He asked legislators to convene meetings with farmers and coordinate with agriculture department officials and staff at Rythu Seva Kendralu to ensure that all eligible farmers are enrolled.

With the registration window closing at the end of August, Atchannaidu stressed that farmers should act immediately and secure insurance protection against possible crop losses caused by adverse weather.