A Punjab Agriculture Department spokesman has said the Punjab government has started crop insurance scheme (Takaful) to protect income of farmers against unfavourable circumstances. In this regard, from Kharif 2018 first phase from Sheikupura, Sahiwal, Loadhran and Rahimyar Khan was launched. Under this scheme, 100pc subsidy on Insurance Premium for land owners up to 5-acre while 50pc subsidy on Insurance Premium for land owners from 5-acre to 25-acres will be given. This scheme will be applicable during its first phase on cotton and rice fields. In the second phase, Insurance (Takaful) will be applicable on more crops including sugarcane, maize, wheat, orchards and vegetables. Under this scheme, compensation will be given in case of natural calamity or low yield. The spokesman said to ensure transparency, the government has also introduced online system. Agricultural production and farm incomes in Pakistan are frequently affected by natural disasters such as droughts, floods, cyclones, storms, landslides and earthquakes. This scheme will give protection to farming community. A farmer said: “We live in an uncertain condition as we are not sure that our crops will benefit us. If we get insured, it will help us shift our loss/damage when our insurance claims are paid.” Source - https://www.thenews.com.pk