The Andhra Pradesh Rythu Sangham on Tuesday (July 14, 2026) urged the State government to extend the deadline for payment of farmers’ share of premiums under the Weather-Based Crop Insurance Scheme for cotton, groundnut, and tomato crops from July 15 to July 31. It also demanded the restoration of free crop insurance for all crops during the 2026-27 kharif and rabi seasons.

In a representation to the Agriculture Commissioner, the organisation said the premium payment deadline under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) is July 31, while the last date under the Weather-Based Crop Insurance Scheme for cotton, groundnut, and tomato is July 15, causing hardship to farmers.

The association stated that these crops are extensively cultivated in the Rayalaseema districts, including Kurnool, Anantapur, Sri Sathya Sai, Annamayya, and Chittoor, and requested that the deadline be aligned with PMFBY.

It stated that around four lakh acres of cotton have been cultivated in Kurnool district alone and alleged that the farmers’ premium contribution of ₹2,000 per acre is unaffordable, particularly for drought-hit farmers. The organisation urged the government to reduce the premium to not more than ₹500 per acre.

The association also sought a similar extension for groundnut and tomato growers, saying delayed rainfall had affected cultivation in several districts.

It further appealed to the government to introduce free crop insurance for all crops during the current agricultural year, stating that such a scheme implemented by the previous government, had benefited farmers.

The representation was submitted by Andhra Pradesh Rythu Sangham State president V. Krishnaiah and State secretary K. Prabhakar Reddy.

Source - https://www.thehindu.com