Cyclone Arnab Crop Damage: Chhattisgarh Begins Survey, Farmers Can Claim Compensation Under PMFBY

Key Highlights

• Cyclone Arnab's unseasonal rain and strong winds have damaged standing and harvested crops across several districts of Chhattisgarh.

• The state government has received 59,666 crop damage reports, with surveys completed in 88 cases so far.

• Farmers must report crop losses within 72 hours to claim insurance benefits under PMFBY.

• Insurance companies must appoint surveyors within 48 hours and complete assessments within 10 days.

• Eligible farmers will receive insurance claim payments directly into their bank accounts within 15 days after the survey, subject to scheme conditions.

Unseasonal rainfall and strong winds caused by Cyclone Arnab have damaged agricultural crops across several districts of Chhattisgarh. The impact has been reported on standing crops as well as harvested produce kept in fields for drying. The sudden weather changes have created concerns among farmers who may face financial losses due to damaged agricultural produce.

To provide relief to affected farmers, the Chhattisgarh government has started preparations for a crop damage survey and the timely settlement of eligible insurance claims under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY).

On the instructions of Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai, the Agriculture Department has directed district collectors, deputy directors of agriculture and concerned insurance companies to speed up the assessment process and complete surveys within the prescribed time.

According to the Agriculture Department, 59,666 reports of crop damage have been received so far. Out of these, surveys have been completed in 88 cases, while the assessment process is continuing for the remaining complaints.

Cyclone Arnab Crop Damage Survey: What Is the Government Planning?

The state government has instructed district administrations and insurance companies to work together to ensure that affected farmers receive assistance without unnecessary delays.

The Agriculture Department is monitoring the survey process under the guidance of Agriculture Production Commissioner Siddharth Komal Singh Pardeshi. The main objective is to identify the actual extent of crop damage, verify eligible insurance claims and transfer compensation to farmers as quickly as possible.

Farmers whose crops have been affected by heavy rainfall or strong winds are advised not to wait for government officials to visit their fields. They should report the damage within the prescribed 72-hour period to begin the insurance claim process.

PM Fasal Bima Yojana Claim Process and Important Deadlines

Under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, farmers must report crop damage within 72 hours of the incident. Once the complaint is registered, the insurance company is responsible for appointing a surveyor and assessing the actual loss.

The government has prescribed specific timelines for different stages of the process to speed up claim settlement.

After the assessment, eligible farmers will receive their insurance claim amount directly in their registered bank accounts.

However, the final compensation will depend on the insurance coverage, survey findings and applicable terms and conditions of the scheme. Reporting crop damage does not automatically guarantee a particular compensation amount.

11 Crops Covered Under PM Fasal Bima Yojana in Chhattisgarh

According to the Agriculture Department, insurance coverage under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana is available for 11 notified crop categories in Chhattisgarh.

These include major food grains, pulses and other crops grown across the state.

Paddy is among the major insured crops in the state. According to the Agriculture Department, approximately 2,126,576 hectares of paddy crops have been insured in Chhattisgarh.

The scheme also provides for insurance claim assessment in cases where untimely rainfall affects crop production. For this purpose, the Agriculture Department is conducting crop cutting experiments to assess production losses and determine eligible compensation as per the scheme's provisions.

Farmers Can Also Claim Insurance for Harvested Crops Damaged by Rain

Many farmers believe that crop insurance only covers damage to standing crops. However, the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana also provides protection against certain post-harvest losses.

Under this provision, farmers can claim insurance for harvested crops that are kept in the field for drying after harvesting, provided the damage occurs due to specified natural events covered under the scheme.

For example, if a farmer harvests paddy or another insured crop and leaves it in the field to dry, but the produce gets damaged due to a cyclone, cyclonic rainfall or unseasonal rain, the farmer may be eligible for an insurance claim.

This post-harvest protection is available for a maximum period of 14 days after harvesting, subject to the scheme's applicable conditions.

In local language, harvested crops kept in the field for drying are also known as Karpa.

Farmers should understand the difference between the two important deadlines:

• 14 days: Maximum coverage period for eligible post-harvest crop losses after harvesting.

• 72 hours: Time limit for reporting crop damage to the insurance company or through the designated complaint channel.

Therefore, even when harvested produce is covered under the 14-day provision, farmers should report the damage within 72 hours of the incident.

How to Report Crop Damage Under PMFBY? Call 14447

Farmers in Chhattisgarh whose crops have been damaged due to Cyclone Arnab, heavy rainfall or strong winds can register their complaints through the Krishi Rakshak Helpline at toll-free number 14447.

The complaint should be submitted within 72 hours of the crop damage.

Before calling the helpline, farmers should keep the following information ready to make the reporting process easier:

1. Farmer's name and registered mobile number.

2. Village, tehsil and district details.

3. Name of the insured crop affected by the weather.

4. Date on which the crop damage occurred.

5. Khasra number, if available.

6. Insurance policy or application details, if available.

Farmers should also take photographs and videos of the damaged crops wherever possible. These records can help document the extent of damage during the assessment process.

After registering the complaint, farmers should keep the reference number received from the helpline for future follow-ups and claim tracking.

Where Can Farmers Get Help With Crop Insurance Claims?

Apart from the toll-free helpline, farmers can approach local agricultural officials and banking institutions for assistance with reporting crop damage and understanding the insurance claim process.

The following officials and institutions can provide guidance:

• Rural Agricultural Extension Officer of the concerned area.

• Senior Agricultural Development Officer.

• Deputy Director of Agriculture.

• Relevant bank branch through which the farmer's insurance application or policy was processed.

Farmers should provide the available insurance and crop details while seeking assistance so that their complaints can be directed to the appropriate department or insurance company.

Chhattisgarh Government Directs Officials to Speed Up Compensation Process

The Chhattisgarh government has directed district collectors, agriculture department officials and insurance companies to coordinate closely and complete crop damage surveys within the prescribed deadlines.

The Agriculture Department is monitoring the progress to ensure that complaints are assessed properly and eligible farmers receive their insurance payments without unnecessary delays.

With 59,666 crop damage reports already received, the timely completion of surveys will be important in providing financial relief to farmers affected by Cyclone Arnab.

Also Read: PM Kisan 24th Installment Released: ₹18,680 Crore Transferred to 9.34 Crore Farmers

CMV360 Says

Farmers in Chhattisgarh affected by Cyclone Arnab should report crop damage within 72 hours through helpline 14447. Timely reporting allows insurers to arrange inspections and complete assessments within the prescribed period. Compensation will depend on the survey findings, insurance coverage and scheme rules. Farmers should retain complaint reference numbers and available evidence while seeking help from local agriculture officials or their bank to track the claim process and avoid delays.