District Collector N. O. Sukhaputra has issued an urgent appeal to farmers in Virudhunagar to insure their Kharif and horticultural crops to mitigate risks from natural calamities.

Key Takeaways

  • The Prime Minister’s Crop Insurance Scheme is being implemented via SBI General Insurance for 2026-27.
  • Specific premiums are set for crops including Maize, Green Gram, Cotton, and Groundnut.
  • Deadlines for premium payments vary between August 31 and September 30, 2026.
  • Mandatory documents include Aadhaar card, bank passbook, and sowing certificates.

In a proactive move to safeguard the agricultural community, the Virudhunagar District Collector, N. O. Sukhaputra, has issued an urgent advisory to local farmers. The directive emphasizes the immediate payment of insurance premiums for the upcoming Kharif season and various horticultural crops. This initiative aims to provide a financial safety net against the increasing unpredictability of weather patterns and pest infestations that frequently plague the region.

Detailed Premium Breakdown for 2026-27

As part of the Prime Minister’s Crop Insurance Scheme, which has been operational in Tamil Nadu since 2016, the insurance services for the 2026-27 period will be facilitated through SBI General Insurance Company. The administration has provided a transparent breakdown of the costs involved. For instance, farmers cultivating Maize will need to pay ₹466 per acre, while Green Gram stands at ₹192 per acre. Other essential crops like Black Gram (₹370/acre), Cotton (₹409/acre), and Groundnut (₹431/acre) have also been categorized with specific rates to ensure clarity.

Horticultural Coverage and Critical Deadlines

Recognizing the high value of horticultural produce, the district administration has extended comprehensive coverage to crops like Onion and Plantain (Banana). The premium for Onion is set at ₹1,591 per acre, whereas Plantain requires a higher premium of ₹3,997 per acre due to its intensive cultivation needs. Timing is critical; the deadline for Groundnut and Onion is August 31. For Black Gram, Sorghum, and Cotton, farmers must complete payments by September 16, while Maize must be insured by September 30. The cutoff for Plantain is September 15.

Compliance and Documentation Requirements

To ensure a seamless registration process, the Collector has outlined the necessary documentation. Farmers are required to submit a registration form, an adangal/sown certificate, a copy of the front page of their bank passbook, and their Aadhaar card. These payments can be conveniently made at Common Service Centres (CSCs), Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies, or local banks. It is vital for farmers to obtain and retain official receipts upon payment to facilitate smooth claim settlements in the event of crop loss.