Agriculture is India’s major economic activity with approximately 55 percent of its workforce engaged in agriculture or allied activities while small and marginal farmers constitute over 85% of this population. These farmers, owning less than 5 acres of land, play a vital role in ensuring the nation’s food security. However, they are also most vulnerable to risks, including unpredictable weather and fluctuating market prices. For such small farmers, protection is crucial because even a single crop failure can lead to devastating financial losses.
Why Crop Insurance in India is Essential for Small and Marginal Farmers
- Protection Against Uncertainties
Farmers are at the mercy of nature, more so in a country like India, and adverse weather can wipe out their crops. Crop insurance in India provides financial support during such losses, ensuring that farmers can recover and prepare for the next sowing season.
- Financial Stability
A single crop failure can push small and marginal farmers into debt or force them to sell their assets. Crop insurance in india offers protection, enabling them to sustain their livelihoods without resorting to desperate measures.
- Mitigating Debt Dependency
Many small farmers rely on informal credit sources that charge exorbitant interest rates. Crop insurance reduces this dependency by creating a financial safety net with the money received as part of the claim settlement process providing aid during distress.
- Long-Term Sustainability
Crop insurance also incentivises farmers to adopt and invest in modern, and sustainable farming practices by taking away the fear of financial loss, reducing risks in the long run.
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