‘Only 23% of Assam’s farmers insured’: Drought raises food security concerns

OUR CORRESPONDENT

SIVASAGAR: The ongoing monsoon season has brought an alarming drought-like situation across Assam, severely affecting agricultural activities and causing deep concern among farming communities. With significantly reduced rainfall across the state, most farmers have been unable to carry out paddy cultivation effectively, leaving farmlands parched and cracked.

In light of the growing crisis, the Nikhil Assam Samajbadi Janaganatantrik Ganaswaraj Party and the Indian Patriotic Federation-Socialist (IPFS) jointly expressed grave concern. A press statement was issued in this regard on Friday by Pranjal Rajguru, Assam State Coordinator of the two organizations.

Rajguru, in his statement, highlighted that the adverse effects of global warming and climate change were now clearly visible in the otherwise lush and green natural landscape of Assam. Farmers are facing severe agricultural distress due to what resembles drought conditions. During this monsoon season alone, the state has witnessed a rainfall deficit ranging between 67% and 82% in various regions.

He also drew attention to the concerning fact that while discussions were ongoing at the national level about offering drought-affected farmers loan waivers and disaster compensation, only 35.23% of farmers across India were actually covered under any form of agricultural insurance. In Assam, the situation is worse — merely 23% of farmers are enrolled in crop insurance schemes, well below the national average.

This means that nearly 77% of farmers in Assam are not eligible for government compensation during such calamities, as compensation requires enrollment in crop insurance schemes.

Rajguru stressed the need for urgent intervention, stating, “These figures are alarming and highlight how far behind Assam’s farmers still are. Many remain unaware of or disconnected from vital agricultural schemes and policies that could safeguard them in crises like this.”

He also emphasized that while discussions around compensation were important, they must not overshadow the primary objective of ensuring sufficient crop production. “Compensation is not a replacement for food production. The nation’s food security depends on empowering farmers to produce enough yield, not just on post-disaster payouts,” Rajguru stated.

Rajguru, on behalf of the organizations, urged the government to treat the drought situation with urgency, enhance awareness about crop insurance and implement sustainable solutions to support the struggling agrarian community of Assam.

Also Read: Assam: DC Darrang Visits Drought-Affected Fields in Mangaldai

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