Sat Sharma raises issue of crop damage compensation for farmers in J&K in Rajya Sabha

New Delhi, 16 March 2026: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Jammu & Kashmir President and Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha), Sat Pal Sharma, asked for the details regarding compensation for crop damage suffered by farmers in Jammu & Kashmir through an unstarred question in the Rajya Sabha in New Delhi to which the Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare provided a detailed reply.

Seeking clarity from the Government, Sat Sharma asked whether compensation is provided to farmers in Jammu & Kashmir for crop damage caused due to adverse weather conditions and wildlife, the schemes currently in place for the purpose, the number of farmers who have received compensation in the last three years, and the steps taken to ensure timely assessment and disbursal of financial assistance to affected farmers.

Responding to the query, Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Bhagirath Choudhary informed the House that the Government of India is implementing the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) and the Restructured Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme (RWBCIS) to protect farmers against crop yield losses due to natural calamities, adverse weather conditions, pests, and diseases. The schemes provide comprehensive risk coverage and financial protection to farmers, ensuring that they are not left helpless in the face of agricultural losses.

According to the data shared by the Ministry, farmers in Jammu & Kashmir have received substantial financial assistance under PMFBY during the last three years. Claims amounting to ₹6.34 crore benefitted 17,385 farmer applications in 2022–23, ₹34.78 crore benefitted 69,245 farmers in 2023–24, and ₹26.45 crore benefitted 93,701 farmer applications in 2024–25.

The Ministry further stated that relief in case of natural calamities is primarily provided by the State Government through the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF), while additional assistance in severe disasters may be provided through the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) after proper assessment.

To ensure transparency and timely settlement of claims, the Government has introduced several technology-driven reforms under PMFBY, including the National Crop Insurance Portal (NCIP), the Digiclaim Module for faster claim processing, strict penalty provisions for delays by insurance companies and state governments, and the adoption of modern technologies such as remote sensing-based yield estimation and advanced weather monitoring systems.

Speaking on the issue, Sat Sharma said that farmers are the backbone of the nation’s economy and their welfare remains a top priority for the Government. He emphasized that under the leadership of Narendra Modi, the Government of India has introduced historic reforms and robust insurance mechanisms to ensure that farmers receive protection, financial security, and timely support in the event of crop losses.

Sat Sharma said that the Modi Government has worked with firm commitment to create a safety net for farmers, ensuring that no farmer is left alone during times of distress caused by natural calamities or unpredictable weather conditions. He added that the continuous strengthening of crop insurance schemes and the integration of modern technology reflect the government’s resolve to safeguard farmers’ livelihoods and enhance the resilience of the agricultural sector.

He further stated that the BJP-led Government at the Centre has consistently prioritized the welfare, dignity, and economic security of farmers, and will continue to take decisive steps to empower the farming community and strengthen the agricultural framework across the country, including Jammu & Kashmir.