Kalaburagi: With sowing activities picking up across the region following the monsoon’s arrival, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Fouzia Taranum, an IAS officer of 2015 batch from Karnataka cadre, has issued a strong directive to government officials and bank representatives to intensify awareness efforts around crop insurance under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY).
Chairing a review meeting at the conference hall of her office in Kalaburagi on Friday, DC Taranum emphasized that it is the responsibility of officials and bankers to ensure every eligible farmer in the district is enrolled under the crop insurance scheme by July 31.
₹3,800 Crore in Crop Loans, But Awareness Still Lacking
Highlighting that over 3 lakh farmers in Kalaburagi have been sanctioned agriculture loans amounting to ₹3,800 crore, the DC said it is crucial that each of these beneficiaries is made aware of crop insurance benefits.
“The premium is minimal, but the security it provides during natural calamities is immense. Farmers must be convinced to enrol,” she said.
Strict Action Against Non-Compliance
DC Taranum issued a stern warning that non-performance in awareness and enrolment efforts will attract disciplinary action.
“Banks and departments must disseminate crop insurance information – especially regarding major crops – down to the taluk and gram panchayat levels. Hobli-level outreach is necessary for other crops,” she said.
IFFCO-Tokio Appointed for Kharif 2025–26
For the Kharif season of 2025–26, IFFCO-Tokio General Insurance Company Ltd. has been selected as the implementing agency for Kalaburagi district under PMFBY.
Farmers can seek more information through the toll-free number 1800-200-5142 or by visiting their nearest Raita Samparka Kendra or Assistant Director of Agriculture Office.
Media Outreach to Aid Awareness
The DC also instructed the Agriculture Department to utilize media channels—both print and electronic—to spread awareness about PMFBY’s benefits and procedures, ensuring mass outreach across rural areas.
Key Officials in Attendance
Among the attendees were-
- Joint Director of Agriculture Samad Patel
- Senior representatives from nationalised and cooperative banks
The meeting marked a strategic push towards achieving 100% enrollment for crop insurance in the district – an initiative considered vital in safeguarding farmers against crop loss due to climatic adversities.
