Karnali launches agriculture insurance scheme for farmers

By Rajani Yogi,Surkhet, Nov. 16: Karnali Province has launched an agricultural insurance programme to protect farmers from losses caused by natural disasters, crop diseases, and other unforeseen events.

In the past, farmers often suffered heavy losses while relief efforts focused mostly on human and infrastructure causalities. But this year, the insurance programme has been prioritised, with a special focus on crop and livestock coverage under the “One Local Body, One Insurer” scheme, according to the Ministry of Land Management, Agriculture and Cooperatives. 

Bakhath Khadka, Head of the Planning Division, informed that the programme ensures timely financial support for losses due to natural disasters, floods, landslides, and epidemic diseases affecting agriculture. 

Local farmer Binod Thapa from Panchpuri, West Surkhet, highlighted the increasing challenges due to unpredictable disasters, stating that hailstorms have caused significant damage to wheat crops. 

Bimal BK, another farmer, expressed his happiness stating that inclusion in the insurance programme would provide much-needed relief for annual crop and livestock losses. 

The province has also undertaken programmes to restore and rehabilitate agricultural areas in earthquake-affected districts such as Jajarkot, Rukum West, and Salyan, aiming to prevent future food crises. 

According to the Ministry, last year’s assessment revealed losses of 513 livestock worth Rs. 25.2 million and 88 metric tonnes of stored food grains worth Rs. 3.8 million due to earthquakes.