Farmers’ sit-in over pending crop insurance claims

Akola: Farmers in Akola have launched a sit-in protest at district agriculture superintendent's office, demanding immediate release of pending crop insurance claims for 2023-24 kharif and rabi season. The protest, led by Krantikari Shetkari Sanghatana's district president Chandrashekhar Gawli, has drawn a significant number of farmers who have been waiting for insurance payout for over six months.
Thousands of farmers in Akola district had filed complaints about crop damage under Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY). Insurance companies conducted surveys and confirmed the losses six months ago, yet compensation has not been credited to farmers' accounts, sources said. As per norms, compensation should be paid within 15 days of survey completion, but farmers haven't yet received compensation. Farmers claim they were facing severe financial distress due to the delay. Despite repeated appeals, neither the government nor the insurance companies have taken action.
Protesting farmers have warned of intensifying the agitation if the pending claims are not cleared immediately. "We will continue our protest until farmers receive their rightful compensation. The administration must act immediately," said Gawli.