CROP INSURANCE SCHEME

December 2018, Paper-II
Question
Arrange the following crop insurance schemes in the chronological order of their launch.
I. Comprehensive Crop Insurance Scheme
II. National Agricultural Insurance Scheme
III. Modified National Agricultural Insurance Scheme
IV. Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana

a) I, III, II, IV
b) II, III, I, IV
c) I, II, III, IV
d) III, II, IV, I
Answer C
 Comprehensive Crop Insurance Scheme (CCIS)

To provide financial support to the farmers in the event of failure of crops as a result of natural calamities, a Comprehensive Crop Insurance Scheme (CCIS) was introduced in the country with effect from Kharif, 1985. Participation in the scheme was voluntary and the States were free to opt for the scheme. All farmers who availed crop loans from Commercial Banks, Regional Rural Banks and Cooperative Banks for growing wheat, paddy, millets (including maize), oilseeds and pulses were eligible for coverage under the scheme. CCIS remained under implementation till Kharif 1999.

 National Agricultural Insurance Scheme (NAIS)
To enlarge the coverage in terms of farmers (loanee and non-loanee both), more crops and more risks, ‘National Agricultural Insurance Scheme (NAIS) – (Rashtriya Krishi Bima Yojana)’ was introduced in Rabi 1999-2000 season in the country. The scheme was available to all the farmers – loanee and non-loanee both – irrespective of their size of the holding.

 Modified National Agricultural Insurance Scheme (MNAIS)
To improve further and make the scheme easier & farmer-friendly, a Joint Group was constituted by the Government to study the improvements required in the existing crop insurance schemes. Based on the recommendations of the Joint Group and views/comments of various stakeholders, Modified NAIS was approved for implementation on a pilot basis in 50 districts during the remaining period of the 11th Plan from Rabi 2010-11.

 Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)
Keeping in view the representations from States/UTs especially on account of increase in premium rates & farmers’ share in premium, capping on premium rates and reduction in sum insured, etc., NCIP/NAIS has recently been reviewed, and a new scheme namely, Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) has been approved in place of MNAIS/NAIS for implementation from Kharif 2016 season.