Lok Sabha Question No. 1213 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-02-11
Subject: Assessment of Crop Losses through Satellite
Ministry: AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
Asked by: Shri V K Sreekandan

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1213

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 11 TH  FEBRUARY, 2025

## ASSESSMENT OF CROP LOSSES THROUGH SATELLITE

1213.  SHRI V K SREEKANDAN:

Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE कृ ͪष एवं ͩकसान कãयाण मंğी be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  the  Government  has  decided  to  assess  crop  losses  through satellites  i.e.  remote sensing and if so, the details thereof;
- (b)  whether  it  will  ensure  correct  and  accurate  assessments  of  crop  losses  under  the  crop insurance scheme, if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether it is a fact that the farmers have been demanding compensation for the crop damaged and remained in the field due to non-procurement by agencies or delay in procurement by them; and
- (d) if so, the steps taken by the Government in this regard?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE कृ ͪष एवं ͩकसान कãयाण राÏय मंğी (SHRI RAMNATH THAKUR)

(a) to (d): The Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has carried out pilot studies for timely and transparent yield estimation under PMFBY using technology including satellites i.e.  remote  sensing  data,  by  engaging  various  Government  and  private  agencies  through Mahalanobis National Crop Forecast Centre (MNCFC).   Based on the findings of these pilots and after discussions with stakeholders & technical consultations, YES-TECH (Yield Estimation System Based on Technology) has been introduced for paddy and wheat crops from Kharif 2023.   Government has implemented technology based yield estimation in combination with conventional Crop Cutting Experiments (CCEs) based yield estimation for improving crop loss assessment and achieving timely insurance claims payout for farmers. Under this initiative 30% weightage to yield estimation has mandatorily been assigned to YES-TECH derived yield.

In Kharif 2023, all implementing States have successfully completed claims calculation and payout using YESTECH and no dispute has been reported from any of the stakeholders; thereby, increasing transparency and efficiency in the system.

PMFBY  is  mainly  implemented  on  'Area  Approach'  basis  and  comprehensive  risk coverage  for  crops  of  farmers  against  all  non-preventable  natural  risks  from  pre-sowing  to post-harvest stages of the crops at very minimum premium for the farmers is provided under the scheme.  However, losses due to localized risks of hailstorm, landslide, inundation, cloud burst & natural fire and post-harvest losses due to cyclone, cyclonic/unseasonal rains & hailstorms are calculated on individual insured farm basis.

Further, crop damage to crops to non-procurement by agencies or delay in procurement by them is not covered under PMFBY. The review/revisions / rationalization / improvements in the crop insurance schemes is a continuous  process  and  decision  on  suggestion/  representations/  recommendations  of  the stakeholders/studies are taken from time to time.  Based on the experience gained, views of various  stakeholders  and  with  a  view  to  ensure  better  transparency,  accountability,  timely payment of claims to the farmers and to make the scheme more farmer friendly, Government has periodically revised the Operational Guidelines of the PMFBY comprehensively to ensure that the eligible benefits under the scheme reach the farmers timely and transparent.

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