Mangaluru: The Dakshina Kannada unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has accused the state government of adopting policies that have adversely affected farmers covered under the weather-based crop insurance scheme and demanded an immediate review of the conditions governing compensation.

Addressing a press conference at the district BJP office in Mangaluru on Saturday, Beltangady MLA Harish Poonja alleged that insurance payouts to arecanut growers in Dakshina Kannada had declined significantly over the years. District BJP president Sathish Kumpala and other party leaders were present.

Poonja claimed that arecanut farmers had received an average insurance payout of around Rs 1.28 lakh per hectare in 2018. According to him, the average payout had subsequently fallen and stood at around Rs 20,000 per hectare this year.

The BJP leader attributed the alleged decline partly to changes in the terms and conditions of the weather-based crop insurance scheme, particularly the rainfall parameters used to determine compensation.

BJP questions revised rainfall conditions

Poonja questioned the changes made to the insurance scheme and alleged that the revised rainfall parameters had made it increasingly difficult for farmers to qualify for compensation.

According to the BJP leader, the revised conditions prescribe specific rainfall thresholds and, in certain circumstances, require rainfall to occur continuously for four days before it is considered while calculating insurance benefits.

He argued that such conditions do not adequately reflect the weather-related risks faced by plantation farmers in Dakshina Kannada, where arecanut and black pepper are important commercial crops.

The BJP demanded that the government review the insurance term sheet and ensure that the parameters used for determining compensation correspond to actual climatic conditions experienced by farmers.

The allegations regarding the impact of the revised conditions were made by the BJP at the press conference and were not independently established at the event.

Arecanut, black pepper covered in 2026-27

Dakshina Kannada has a substantial area under arecanut and black pepper cultivation. Both crops have been brought under the weather-based crop insurance scheme for the 2026-27 season in the district.

Tata AIG General Insurance has been selected as the implementing insurance company for the current season.

Poonja also questioned the continuation of the insurance arrangement with Tata AIG for 2026-27 without inviting a fresh tender.

He alleged that the state government had cited the limited time available for implementing the scheme as the reason for continuing the existing arrangement.

The MLA sought clarification from the government on the basis for extending the contract and questioned whether the interests of farmers had been adequately considered while deciding the arrangement.

MLA raises issue in Legislative Assembly

Poonja said the issue of declining insurance payouts had previously been raised in the Legislative Assembly.

He alleged that Horticulture Minister S S Mallikarjun had assured that a meeting would be held with representatives of the two coastal districts and insurance companies to discuss the concerns of farmers.

However, Poonja claimed that the proposed review meeting had not taken place.

The BJP leader demanded that the government convene the meeting and examine the concerns raised by arecanut and black pepper growers.

The party said a detailed review was necessary to determine whether the existing insurance conditions adequately protected plantation farmers against weather-related crop losses.

BJP seeks details of state premium contribution

The BJP leaders also questioned the state’s contribution towards the crop insurance premium and sought details of the funds released under the scheme during the last three financial years.

They alleged that a reduction in the state’s share could affect the level of insurance coverage available to farmers.

The party demanded that the government disclose the amount allocated and released towards its share of the premium and specify when the funds were transferred to insurance companies.

The BJP further alleged that delays in releasing the state’s contribution could affect compensation payable to farmers.

These claims were made by the party during the press conference and were not independently established at the event.

Poonja said transparency was required regarding the premium structure, government contributions and payments made under the insurance scheme.

BJP flags vacancies in Horticulture Department

The BJP also raised concerns over vacancies in the Horticulture Department in Dakshina Kannada.

Party leaders alleged that around 85% of posts in the department in the district are vacant.

They claimed that the shortage of staff was affecting crop surveys and other administrative work linked to weather-based insurance claims.

Crop assessment and timely administrative processing are particularly important for farmers seeking compensation under insurance schemes, and the BJP demanded that the government address the alleged shortage of personnel.

The party said strengthening the department’s field-level manpower would help improve the implementation of insurance-related procedures.

Demand for review of insurance term sheet

Poonja demanded that the state government immediately review the revised insurance term sheet and modify conditions that, according to the BJP, do not adequately account for the weather-related risks faced by plantation farmers.

He also sought clarification from district in-charge minister U T Khader and local representatives regarding the government’s position on the insurance scheme and the release of its contribution.

The BJP said arecanut and black pepper growers were already facing financial pressure and needed an insurance mechanism that provided meaningful protection against weather-related losses.

The party also demanded greater transparency in the selection of insurance companies and the implementation of the scheme.

BJP warns of protests

The BJP leaders warned that the party would intensify its agitation if the government failed to address the concerns.

Poonja said the BJP, along with its MPs, MLAs and district-level leaders, would launch protests in support of farmers if the government did not review the insurance conditions, release pending funds and address the issues raised by growers.

The party maintained that weather-based insurance should provide effective financial protection to farmers rather than impose conditions that make compensation difficult to access.

The press conference was attended by district BJP general secretaries Devamani Shetty and Yathish Arwar; district secretaries Pushpamayiappa, Shobhendra and Sathish; District SC Morcha president Jagannath Kodapadi; Yuva Morcha general secretary Umesh; OBC Morcha general secretary Shashidhar Kammaje; district media co-coordinator Vasanth Poojary and others.

The BJP’s demands now put the spotlight on the implementation of the weather-based crop insurance scheme in Dakshina Kannada, particularly the compensation parameters, premium contributions and availability of departmental staff. The state government’s response to the allegations and demands is likely to determine the next course of action by the party and affected farmers.