Farmers of Baitadi have not insured their crops and livestock. Most of them do not have any information about crops livestock insurance scheme launched by the government two years ago.

Under the scheme, the government provides subsidy on insurance premium for encouraging farmers to insure their crops and livestock. It provides 75 percent subsidy on premium for insurance of crops and livestock. Once insured, farmers will get compensation if their livestock dies or crops get damaged.

Unaware of these benefits, farmers of the district are yet to insure their crops and livestock.

Insurance companies, who are supposed to attract farmers by publicizing their insurance schemes, are not interested to tell farmers about their insurance policies. Officials say it is one of the reasons why the scheme has failed to attract local farmers.

Officials of District Agricultural Office (DAO) said farmers must insure their crops within 15 days of sowing of seeds. Toyanath Joshi, plant protection officer, has promised to start a campaign to make farmers aware of the benefits of insuring their crops and livestock.

By paying 25 percent of the premium fee, farmers can get up to 90 percent of the loss as compensation.

Source - http://www.myrepublica.com/