English हिन्दी
Connect with us

India News

Government boosts crop insurance with Rs 69,515 crore for farmers till 2026

Published

1 year ago

on

BJP leaders at meeting to finalize Delhi's Chief Minister

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today announced a significant increase in the government’s commitment to supporting farmers through enhanced crop insurance. The Cabinet approved a proposal to continue the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) and the Restructured Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme (RWBCIS) until 2025-26 with an overall budget of Rs 69,515.71 crore.

In a tweet, Prime Minister Modi dedicated this decision to the country’s farmers, highlighting that the increased allocation would not only improve crop safety but also reduce farmers’ concerns over potential losses due to natural calamities. “The first decision of the new year is dedicated to our country’s farmers. We have approved the increased allocation for crop insurance, which will further safeguard their crops and reduce their worries about losses,” Modi tweeted, sharing the press release from the Government of India.

The initiative, which covers the risk of crop loss from unavoidable natural disasters, will benefit farmers nationwide. In addition to the increased funding, the Cabinet also approved the establishment of a Fund for Innovation and Technology (FIAT) with a corpus of Rs 824.77 crore. This fund will be used to implement technological advancements such as the YES-TECH and WINDS programs, aimed at improving transparency, claim calculations, and settlement processes.

Key features of the new initiative

  1. PMFBY and RWBCIS Continuation: The schemes, which aim to provide financial support to farmers affected by natural calamities, will run until 2025-26.
  2. Technological Infusion: The government will invest in cutting-edge technologies to enhance the accuracy of yield estimates and the speed of claims settlement. YES-TECH, for example, uses Remote Sensing Technology for yield estimation with a focus on a minimum 30% weightage based on technology. Currently, nine states, including Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu, are implementing YES-TECH.
  3. Weather-based Data Systems: The WINDS initiative aims to expand the network of weather stations to provide hyper-local weather data crucial for farmers. Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) will be installed at the block level, and Automatic Rain Gauges (ARG) will be set up at the panchayat level. This initiative is currently being implemented in nine major states, including Kerala and Karnataka.
  4. North Eastern States Priority: The center will continue to prioritize farmers in the North Eastern states, offering a 90% subsidy on premium costs. However, due to the voluntary nature of the scheme and low gross cropped area, the states will have flexibility in reallocating funds for other developmental projects.

Impact on Farmers

This move is expected to provide relief to farmers dealing with unpredictable weather conditions and natural disasters. The infusion of technology is expected to streamline claims processes, making them more efficient and transparent. Moreover, the central government’s support through premium subsidies will ensure wider coverage for farmers, particularly in regions like the North East, where agricultural challenges are more pronounced.

The initiative also aims to address the needs of farmers in rural areas who may have limited access to traditional insurance schemes. By providing a more accessible and reliable system, the government aims to mitigate the financial risks that farmers face, allowing them to focus on productivity rather than the unpredictability of weather and natural calamities.

This announcement is part of the government’s broader efforts to ensure that farmers remain financially protected against the increasing challenges posed by climate change and other environmental factors.

The scheme’s wider implementation across the country reflects the government’s ongoing commitment to supporting agriculture and rural economies.

For more information, check the official press release here.

Related Topics:
Continue Reading

India News

Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth appointed next Army chief, to take charge on June 30

The government has appointed Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth, currently the Vice Chief of Army Staff, as the next Army chief. He will succeed General Upendra Dwivedi on June 30.

Published

1 day ago

on

June 13, 2026

By

The Centre has appointed Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth as the next Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), paving the way for a leadership transition in the Indian Army later this month. Lt Gen Seth, who currently serves as the Vice Chief of the Army Staff, will succeed General Upendra Dwivedi upon the latter’s retirement on June 30, 2026.

The appointment was announced on Saturday, with the government confirming that Lt Gen Seth will assume office from the afternoon of June 30. He will take over command after General Dwivedi completes his tenure as the Army’s 30th chief.

Veteran Armoured Corps officer

An officer of the Armoured Corps, Lt Gen Seth was commissioned into the Indian Army in December 1986 after graduating from the National Defence Academy. Over nearly four decades of service, he has held a range of operational, command, staff and strategic appointments across the Army.

Before becoming Vice Chief on April 1, 2026, he served in several senior leadership roles, including heading the Southern Command and South Western Command. He has also commanded formations such as the Delhi Area and the XXI Corps during his military career.

Leadership transition in the Army

Lt Gen Seth’s elevation comes as the Army prepares for a change of command at the highest level. His appointment follows his move to Army Headquarters as Vice Chief earlier this year, a role he assumed on April 1.

The Ministry of Defence said the incoming Army chief brings extensive experience from command, operational and strategic assignments across diverse military domains.

With the appointment, Lt Gen Seth is set to lead the Indian Army through the next phase of its modernisation and operational preparedness efforts after taking charge at the end of the month.

Continue Reading

India News

IAF AN-32 aircraft crashes while landing at Assam’s Jorhat airbase, five personnel killed

Five Indian Air Force personnel were killed after an AN-32 transport aircraft crashed while landing at Jorhat Air Force Station in Assam. The IAF has ordered a court of inquiry into the accident.

Published

1 day ago

on

June 13, 2026

By

An Indian Air Force (IAF) AN-32 transport aircraft crashed while attempting to land at Jorhat Air Force Station in Assam on Saturday, resulting in the deaths of five Air Force personnel. The accident occurred during a routine sortie and triggered an emergency response at the airbase.

According to the IAF, the aircraft met with the accident during the landing phase at Jorhat. The force later confirmed the loss of five personnel and expressed condolences to their families. A court of inquiry has been ordered to determine the circumstances that led to the crash.

Court of inquiry ordered

The Indian Air Force said a formal investigation will examine the cause of the accident. Officials have not yet disclosed what may have led to the crash, and the inquiry is expected to review technical, operational and environmental factors.

Reports indicated that the co-pilot survived the accident and is undergoing medical treatment.

Personnel who lost their lives

The IAF identified the five personnel killed in the accident as:

  • Squadron Leader Prashant Singh
  • Flight Lieutenant Shubham Kumar
  • Sergeant Jitendra Sharma
  • Agniveervayu Khemaram Kumawat
  • Agniveervayu Danish Alam

The Air Force said it stands with the bereaved families during this difficult time.

AN-32’s role in the Air Force

The AN-32 is a twin-engine transport aircraft that has been a key part of the Indian Air Force’s logistics operations for decades. It is widely used to transport personnel, equipment and supplies, particularly in remote and high-altitude regions. India remains one of the largest operators of the aircraft type.

The crash comes months after a Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter aircraft accident in Assam that claimed the lives of two IAF pilots.

Continue Reading

India News

Delhi records coolest day of June so far as rain and thunderstorms bring relief from heat

Delhi recorded its coolest day of June after rain and thunderstorms caused a sharp drop in temperatures. IMD has forecast more showers and gusty winds before temperatures begin rising again.

Published

2 days ago

on

June 13, 2026

By

Delhi weather today

Delhi witnessed its coolest day of June so far after widespread rain and thunderstorm activity caused temperatures to drop significantly across the national capital. The change in weather provided much-needed relief from the intense summer heat that had gripped the region in recent weeks.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), rain and thunderstorms over the past 24 hours brought a noticeable decline in both maximum and minimum temperatures. Official weather observations showed that Delhi’s maximum temperatures fell well below normal levels, while several areas experienced strong winds and rainfall.

More rain and thunderstorms likely

The IMD has forecast additional thunderstorms, light to moderate rain and gusty winds for Delhi and nearby areas through Saturday. A yellow alert remains in place, with weather conditions expected to stay unsettled before gradually improving.

Weather experts have attributed the recent change to the influence of a western disturbance and associated weather systems affecting northwestern India. While the disturbance is gradually moving away, its impact is expected to continue for a short period.

Temperatures may rise again next week

Meteorologists expect the pleasant conditions to last for another couple of days. After that, temperatures are likely to begin rising again as rainfall activity decreases. The IMD’s latest forecast also indicates a gradual increase in temperatures by the middle of next week.

Recent weather systems have brought relief not only to Delhi but also to parts of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and other northern states, where thunderstorms and rain have helped ease heatwave conditions.

Continue Reading

Trending

© Copyright 2022 APNLIVE.com