The agricultural sector in West Bengal is set to witness a significant transformation with the implementation of the Bangla Shasya Bima (BSB) Scheme during the Rabi 2024-25 season. This innovative initiative, approved by the Governor of West Bengal, promises to provide technology-based crop insurance to farmers across the state, ensuring financial security and stability in the face of unforeseen risks. Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company Ltd. has been selected as the implementing agency for this initiative. Here, we explore the key features, benefits, and operational mechanisms of the scheme.
A New Era of Agricultural Insurance
The Bangla Shasya Bima Scheme represents a paradigm shift in agricultural insurance by leveraging advanced technologies such as satellite imagery, weather data, and field-level assessments. This approach ensures accurate evaluation of crop losses and expedites claim settlements, bringing much-needed relief to farmers during times of adversity. The scheme aims to provide a safety net to farmers, thereby fostering resilience and sustainability in the agricultural sector.
Comprehensive Coverage for Diverse Crops
Under the BSB Scheme, a total of thirteen crops have been selected for insurance coverage during the Rabi 2024-25 season. These include:
- Boro (Summer) Paddy
- Wheat
- Rabi Maize
- Summer Maize
- Gram
- Lentil (Masur)
- Moong (Summer)
- Mustard
- Til (Summer)
- Groundnut (Summer)
- Potato
- Sugarcane
- Khesari
Each crop is insured at a specific administrative level, either Gram Panchayat or Block, depending on the crop and region. For instance, Boro Paddy and Potato are insured at the Gram Panchayat level in certain districts, while other crops are insured at the Block level.
Risk Coverage and Indemnity Levels
The BSB Scheme offers robust risk coverage, ensuring farmers are protected against a range of adverse events:
- Prevented Sowing/Failed Sowing: Applicable to Boro Paddy and Potato, this covers situations where sowing is hindered due to unfavorable conditions.
- Mid-Season Adversity: Also applicable to Boro Paddy and Potato, this provides coverage for significant crop damage during the growing season.
- Localized Calamities: Covers risks such as hailstorms, landslides, and cloudbursts for Boro Paddy.
- Post-Harvest Losses: Offers coverage for Boro Paddy against specific risks during the initial two weeks post-harvest.
- Season-End Losses: Comprehensive coverage for all insured crops from sowing to harvesting.
Indemnity levels are set at 90% for most crops, while Potato’s indemnity level is capped at 70%. These levels ensure farmers receive compensation for a substantial portion of their losses, helping them recover and reinvest in the next farming cycle.
Enabling Farmer Participation
Participation in the BSB Scheme is voluntary, removing the compulsory component that often deterred non-loanee farmers from enrolling in similar schemes. The initiative is open to all farmers, including sharecroppers and tenant farmers, who cultivate the notified crops in designated areas. Farmers can enroll individually through Bajaj Allianz representatives, either via the BSB mobile app or by submitting printed application forms. Key requirements for enrollment include:
- Proof of insurable interest (land ownership or tenancy documents).
- KYC documents (Voter ID and Aadhaar card).
- Bank account details (NEFT-enabled).
- Area Sown Certificate issued by relevant authorities.
Upon successful enrollment, farmers receive a Certificate of Insurance, serving as proof of coverage and facilitating interactions with banks for crop loans if necessary.
Innovative Claim Assessment Mechanism
A standout feature of the BSB Scheme is its advanced claim assessment methodology. Loss assessments are based on the Crop Health Factor (CHF), derived from satellite data and supported by ground-truthing and weather data. Key parameters include:
- Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI): Measures crop greenness.
- Land Surface Water Index (LSWI): Assesses crop wetness.
- Backscatter Ratio (SAR): Evaluates crop structure.
- Fraction of Absorbed Photosynthetically Active Radiation (FAPAR): Analyzes plant canopy and biomass.
Claims are calculated using a formula that considers the threshold CHF, the actual CHF for the season, and the sum insured. This objective and transparent approach ensures fair and prompt compensation for affected farmers.
Simplified Grievance Redressal
To address farmer grievances efficiently, a multi-tiered grievance redressal system has been established. District-level and Block-level Nodal Officers, along with respective Monitoring Committees, handle complaints within a stipulated time frame. Unresolved issues are escalated to the State Level Monitoring Committee (SLMC), whose decisions are final and binding.
Financial Relief Through Premium Waivers
In a move to enhance affordability, the state government has waived the premium payable by farmers for commercial crops such as Potato and Sugarcane. This ensures uniformity in coverage costs across all notified crops, encouraging broader participation in the scheme.
Monitoring and Public Awareness
The successful implementation of the BSB Scheme relies heavily on effective monitoring and public awareness. The state government has constituted monitoring committees at the state, district, and block levels to oversee the scheme’s execution. Bajaj Allianz, in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, is tasked with creating awareness through print and electronic media, ensuring that farmers are well-informed about the scheme’s benefits and procedures.
Key Deadlines and Implementation Timeline
The scheme follows a strict seasonality discipline to ensure timely enrollment and claim processing. Key deadlines for enrollment, risk triggers, and claim settlements vary depending on the crop. For instance:
- Enrollment for Potato ends on December 31, 2024, while for Boro Paddy, it extends to January 31, 2025.
- Claims for sowing failures are processed within 45 days of the cut-off date for prevented sowing.
Sustainability and Farmer Empowerment
By integrating advanced technologies with traditional farming practices, the Bangla Shasya Bima Scheme empowers farmers to mitigate risks effectively. The scheme not only safeguards livelihoods but also promotes financial inclusion and agricultural sustainability, positioning West Bengal as a leader in farmer-centric policy innovation.
Bangla Shasya Bima Scheme for Rabi 2024-25
The Bangla Shasya Bima Scheme for Rabi 2024-25 is more than just an insurance program—it’s a lifeline for farmers navigating the uncertainties of agriculture. By addressing key challenges through technology, streamlined processes, and financial support, the scheme sets a benchmark for other states to emulate. As the scheme rolls out, its success will hinge on active farmer participation, efficient implementation, and continuous monitoring. Together, these efforts promise a brighter and more secure future for West Bengal’s farming community.
firsthomeownergrants.com :- The First Home Owner Grant is a one-time government payment in Australia to help first-time buyers purchase or build a new home.