A group of orange cultivators from Maharashtra's Akot taluka has taken legal action against the state government and an insurance company, alleging a severe shortfall in compensation under a crucial crop insurance scheme. The farmers approached the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court last week, claiming they were denied the full financial protection promised to them during times of weather-related crop distress.
Farmers Allege Serious Irregularities in Insurance Scheme
The petition, filed by orange cultivator Pramod Tarale and three others, challenges what they describe as "serious irregularities" in the implementation of the state's restructured weather-based fruit crop insurance scheme. This scheme was introduced under a Government Resolution (GR) dated June 12, 2024, and is designed to cover eight fruit crops, including oranges, sweet lime, and pomegranate, for the 2024–25 and 2025–26 seasons.
According to the petitioners, growers in the Umra circle faithfully paid the prescribed insurance premium in full. They entered the scheme with the clear understanding that they would be eligible for compensation of ₹50,000 per hectare in the event of losses caused by adverse weather conditions. However, the farmers state that when they needed to claim, the insurance company released a mere ₹15,000 per hectare, a fraction of the assured amount.
Legal Recourse After Administrative Apathy
Frustrated by the massive gap between promise and payout, the affected farmers first sought redress through administrative channels. They submitted a formal representation to the Akola district administration, urgently requesting intervention to rectify the situation. With no remedial action forthcoming from the authorities, the growers felt compelled to seek justice from the judiciary.
Hearing the petition at a preliminary stage, the Bombay High Court has taken cognizance of the matter. The court has issued formal notices to the state government, the insurance company, and other respondents involved. They have been directed to file their replies by February 11 next year. The matter was argued for the petitioners by lawyer Vipul Bhise, while NS Rao appeared for the state government.
Seeking Enforcement of Entitlement and Systemic Correction
The core demand of the petition is for the court to direct the authorities to ensure the payment of the full compensation owed to the farmers under the scheme's mandate. Beyond individual compensation, the growers are also seeking corrective action in the overall implementation of the insurance mechanism.
The farmers argue that the scheme, intended as a safety net during climate-induced agricultural crises, has failed them precisely when they needed it most. This legal battle highlights the critical gap between policy formulation on paper and its effective execution on the ground, a recurring issue that affects the agricultural community's trust in government support systems.
The outcome of this case could set a significant precedent for the enforcement of crop insurance claims across Maharashtra, ensuring that such weather-based schemes truly serve their purpose of protecting farmers from financial ruin due to factors beyond their control.
