In a major relief for farmers in Haryana, the State Grievances Redressal Committee (SGRC) has ordered the release of approximately Rs 255 crore in crop insurance dues to cotton growers in the Bhiwani and Charkhi Dadri districts. The directive was issued to Kshema General Insurance Company, which has been instructed to disburse claims based on actual average yield obtained through Crop Cutting Experiments (CCEs).
Background of the Dispute
The decision comes after over a year of struggle for farmers who were denied rightful insurance claims due to the replacement of CCE-based yield data with technology-based yield estimates during the Kharif 2023 season. The matter was brought before the SGRC through multiple representations from farmer organizations, including the Akhil Bhartiya Kisan Sabha Haryana, and individual farmers seeking a review of an earlier decision by the State Technical Advisory Committee (STAC).
Key Decision by SGRC
During its 15th meeting on May 11, chaired by Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Vijayendra Kumar, the SGRC examined the dispute concerning 158 Insurance Units in Bhiwani and 135 in Charkhi Dadri. Farmer representatives argued that claims should be settled based on CCE yield rather than technology-based estimates. The committee noted that Kshema GIC had failed to raise timely objections to CCEs as per PMFBY norms, which require objections within two hours of CCE conduct and within 96 hours for survey objections.
The SGRC observed that the insurance company did not substantiate its objections before the District Level Monitoring Committee (DLMC) in Bhiwani and raised objections without specifying reasons. Furthermore, Kshema GIC neither released claims nor filed an appeal within the stipulated 15-day period after the DLMC meeting on January 29, 2024.
Technology-Based Yield Only for Wheat and Paddy
The committee clarified that technology-based yield data, combined with CCE data in a 70:30 ratio, is applicable only for wheat and paddy crops. For all other crops, including cotton, the average yield must be calculated solely on the basis of CCEs.
Former Agriculture Minister JP Dalal intervened in the matter after being approached by farmers, leading to the constitution of the SGRC. Complainant Dr. Ram Kanwar confirmed that following Dalal's involvement, the state government took action. Farmers in Bhiwani will receive Rs 213 crore, while those in Charkhi Dadri will get Rs 42 crore.
Kisan Sabha leader Inderjit Singh has demanded immediate disbursement of the amount to affected farmers.
