Rainfall damages: Odisha Minister warns crop insurance companies, urges sensitivity towards farmers

Odisha Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari on Thursday issued a strict warning to insurance companies regarding crop insurance, stating that the government will take firm action if farmers are harassed or if delays are observed in processing claims.

In his address to media persons, the minister emphasized that crop insurance policies are not meant for company profits but to support farmers during crises.

He also stressed that insurance companies must act sensitively towards farmers during times of natural calamities while revealing that over 20,000 farmers have already applied for crop insurance by the 24th of this month.

“Crop insurance is meant to aid farmers and provide them relief in times of distress. It is not ethical for insurance companies to profit off farmers. If the government notices any insurer going against the laws then they will be dealt with accordingly,” he stated.

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Pujari’s statements came as reports of mounting crop losses surfaced from various parts of the state owing to unseasonal rainfall. Moreover, on December 23, he assured farmers of swift crop damage assessment and compensation disbursal while directing all district collectors to complete the assessment process within three to four days.

Meanwhile, farmers in affected districts alleged delays in paddy procurement and increasing financial distress.

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“The miller has not arrived today and neither has any truck to relocate the harvest to storage locations. My Crops are getting spoiled while lying here due to incessant rainfall,” claimed Bijay Satnami, a farmer who had brought his crops for procurement at Palsada mandi in Bargarh district.