Mysuru: With concerns over a possible drought looming over the district, Deputy Commissioner G Lakshmikanth Reddy has directed officials to ensure 100 per cent coverage of the monsoon crop survey scheduled to begin on July 1, stressing that no farmer should be left out of relief and insurance benefits.
Chairing the district-level crop survey implementation committee meeting on Wednesday, the deputy commissioner instructed officials to complete the survey of 9,96,708 agricultural plots spread across 1,301 villages before July 31.
Complete survey crucial for farmer benefits
The deputy commissioner noted that the district has traditionally achieved only 94 to 96 per cent progress in crop surveys, leaving several pockets uncovered.
He warned that even if one per cent of the plots remain unsurveyed, nearly 9,000 farmers could be excluded from compensation, relief and insurance schemes.
Reddy emphasised that in the event of a drought declaration, compensation to farmers would be determined based on the crop survey data, making comprehensive coverage essential.
He directed agriculture, horticulture and sericulture department officials to identify inactive crop surveyors or those likely to discontinue the work and arrange replacements immediately. Tahsildars have also been instructed to closely monitor the survey process.
Pending FIDs raise concerns
The deputy commissioner also highlighted the issue of pending Farmer Identification Numbers (FIDs) in the district.
According to officials, as many as 50,194 central FIDs remain pending in Mysuru district. The FID is mandatory for farmers to receive benefits under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-Kisan) scheme.
Of the 3,31,342 state FIDs, only a few plots belonging to each farmer have reportedly been registered on the application. Officials were directed to upload details of all remaining plots on a priority basis.
Push for crop insurance enrolment
Joint Director of Agriculture K H Ravi said efforts are underway to encourage more farmers to enrol under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), particularly in view of the drought forecast.
He said the deadline for insurance enrolment for certain pulse crops is approaching, and the department is conducting awareness campaigns through public announcements and pamphlet distribution at the village level.
Officials are also encouraging farmers to make use of various government schemes aimed at improving water conservation and irrigation facilities.
Subsidies available for irrigation systems
Ravi said subsidies are being provided under the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana for the installation of drip and sprinkler irrigation systems.
The benefits are available to both general category and Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe beneficiaries through the agriculture and horticulture departments.
He urged farmers to take advantage of the scheme to improve water-use efficiency and mitigate the effects of a possible drought.
Authorities focus on preparedness
With rainfall concerns and drought forecasts prompting heightened preparedness, district authorities are focusing on ensuring that all eligible farmers are covered under crop surveys, insurance schemes and welfare programmes.
Officials believe that timely completion of the crop survey and increased enrolment in government schemes will play a crucial role in safeguarding farmers’ interests in the event of adverse weather conditions during the monsoon season.