Constraints and Suggestions Expressed by the Farmers in Availing Crop Insurance Schemes in Northern Karnataka

Crop insurance is one of the methods by which farmers can stabilize farm income, investment and guard against disastrous effect of losses due to natural hazards or low market prices. Crop insurance not only stabilizes the farm income but also helps the farmers to initiate production activity after a bad agricultural year. The study was conducted in Karnataka State during 2017-18 by using “Ex-post- facto” research design. Belgavi, Dharwad, Haveri and Vijayapura districts were selected purposely based on more number of insured farmers. Further, two taluks from each district and from each taluk three villages (i.e. total 24 villages) were selected randomly. Sample size for the study was 240. Purposive sampling procedure was used. The data collected from respondents were tabulated and analyzed by using Garrett’s Ranking Technique. The findings of the study revealed that, delay in getting the claim was the prime constraint faced by the insured farmers with a highest Garret Score (GS) of 73.53 and ranked as first (I), followed by inadequate compensation (GS-61.51 and Rank-II) and officials bias in loss assessment (GS-56.42 and Rank-III). With respect to suggestions given by the farmers were, claim should be dispersed before starting of the next season with utmost priority by farmers with a Garret Score of 75.70 and ranked first (I), followed by creation of separate insurance cell at Block / Taluk level (GS-66.40 & Rank-II) and more number of trainings need to be organized on Crop Insurance Scheme (GS-54.91 & Rank-III). The study brought out various constraints faced by the farmers related to Crop Insurance Schemes. Thus, concerned officers should approach the State Government to make sincere efforts to pay the claim before the start of next season and conduct more number of training and awareness programmes. Non-loanee farmers also should be encouraged by simplifying the online registration process and making the ‘Samrakshane Portal’ farmer friendly.