Aland MLA flags crop insurance lapses, seeks review of PMFBY disbursal

Aland MLA B.R. Patil has alleged serious lapses in the disbursal of crop insurance claims under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), saying officials have failed to follow prescribed guidelines and that farmers are bearing the consequences.

Speaking at a press conference in Kalaburagi on September 13, Mr. Patil said Aland taluk has only three agriculture officers, leaving farmers without adequate service. He alleged that lapses by village accountants had deprived several eligible farmers of insurance benefits, while the tahsildar sought to defend the officials involved.

The legislator urged the administration to hold gram sabhas to hear farmers' grievances and ensure they are resolved promptly. Farmers in the taluk, he said, are aware of the scheme and have been paying premiums voluntarily. Many had borrowed money to buy seeds and take up cultivation, and any delay in releasing claims in such circumstances is a matter of serious concern.

Mr. Patil said nearly ₹300 crore had been sanctioned under the scheme, but the full amount had not reached farmers. He pointed to Hadalagi and Yelasangi villages, asking why claims had been settled in one but not the other despite similar circumstances. He sought a review of the entire process and asked the Deputy Commissioner to act firmly against intermediaries, if any are found to be interfering with claims.

Alleging negligence and corruption among some field-level officials, he called for the appointment of agriculture graduates to implement the scheme effectively. Deploying inadequately trained staff with lower qualifications, he said, was hampering the delivery of benefits. The Agriculture Department, he added, has faced a shortage of officers for nearly three decades, affecting its functioning.

Advocate and consumer activist Vaijnath Zhalki was present at the press conference.