National Agriculture Insurance Scheme

DETAILS The National Agriculture Insurance Scheme (NAIS) was introduced by the Government of India to provide comprehensive insurance coverage and financial support to farmers against crop losses due to natural calamities, pests, and diseases. The scheme promotes the stability of farm incomes and encourages farmers to adopt modern agricultural practices.  Key Features Coverage for food crops, oilseeds, and selected commercial/horticultural crops. Protection against crop loss due to natural calamities such as drought, flood, hailstorm, cyclone, pests, and diseases. Coverage for different stages of the crop life cycle: Sowing/planting risk. Standing crop losses. Post-harvest losses (due to specified perils). Losses due to localized risks like hailstorms and landslides. Subsidized premiums for small and marginal farmers. Availability of the scheme across notified areas and seasons.  Claim Process Reporting Losses: Inform the local agriculture office or insurer within 48 hours of the incident. Assessment: Loss assessment will be conducted by a joint team comprising local authorities and insurance company representatives. Claim Settlement: Upon verification, claims are directly transferred to the farmer’s bank account BENEFITS Comprehensive Crop Coverage: Protection against crop loss due to natural calamities (floods, droughts, hailstorms), pests, diseases, and localized risks. Includes coverage for sowing, standing crops, and post-harvest losses. Subsidized Premiums for Small Farmers: Small and marginal farmers receive premium subsidies, making the scheme affordable for them. Affordable Premiums for All Farmers: Low premium rates for both loanee and non-loanee farmers, with premiums deducted from agricultural loans. Quick Claim Settlement: Fast processing and direct claim settlement to the farmer’s bank account. Encourages Better Farming Practices: Promotes risk mitigation and adoption of modern agricultural practices, increasing productivity. Wide Crop Coverage: Covers food crops, oilseeds, and horticultural crops, ensuring protection for most farmers. Nationwide Accessibility: Available to farmers across the country, making it a national safety net.  Premium Rates Food crops and oilseeds: Kharif crops: 3.5% of the sum insured. Rabi crops: 1.5% of the sum insured. Commercial and horticultural crops: Actuarial premium rates apply. The premium for Small & Marginal farmers is subsidised to the extent of 10% which is shared by the State Govt. and Govt. of India ELIGIBILITY Loanee Farmers: Farmers who avail seasonal agricultural operations (SAO) loans from financial institutions (banks, co-operative societies, etc.) are automatically covered under the scheme. The coverage for loanee farmers is compulsory, and premiums are deducted from the loan amount.  Non-Loanee Farmers: Non-loanee farmers can apply voluntarily for the insurance coverage. The application must be submitted before the deadline for each crop season.  Notified Crops and Areas: The crops to be insured and the areas where the scheme is applicable are announced by the government each year.