Balasore farmers yet to get insurance assistance, seek administration intervention

Farmers from Baunsabania panchayat in Oupada block of Balasore district approached Nilagiri Sub-Collector on Friday, alleging that they have not received crop insurance payments since last year. Officials concerned have not even visited the affected farmlands, they rued.

Despite a calamity declaration last year, no compensation was provided. Similarly, after crop damage due to the recent cyclonic storm ‘Dana’ and subsequent rain this year, the insurance aid has not been disbursed to them.

Also Read: Cyclone ‘Dana’ damage assessment: Central team to arrive in Odisha on November 24

Furthermore, officials have failed to inspect the fields. Following the farmers' complaint, the Sub-Collector stated that discussions with the Agriculture Department have been held and future steps will be taken to address the farmers' demands.

“Affected farmlands were surveyed three times last year, which were completely damaged. Nothing was left out and there was 100 per cent damage, but the officials showed it to be 85 per cent only. A crop season has passed since then and we have not yet received the insurance assistance money,” a local farmer Manas Biswal stated.

“Most of us had taken hand loans but are unable to repay,” Manas further said.

“Severe cyclonic storm ‘Dana’ was a double whammy for us and most of our crops were damaged due to the cyclone. Despite running from pillar to post, our demands have not been met since last year,” another farmer from Baunsabania Bidyadhar Nayak expressed.

Must Read: Cyclone ‘Dana’: Odisha Govt releases Rs 423 Cr damage compensation

When contacted, Nilagiri Sub-Collector Subhashree Rath said, “I had forwarded the farmers’ insurance claims to the Agriculture Department. However, the demanded amount was a bit higher than the amount that was decided.”

“I think the decision is pending at the Government level. No decision has been taken in this regard. The Government is yet to take a final call, but it will be cleared,” Sub-Collector Rath asserted quoting the Department sources.