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Agricultural Insurance – an Effective Control Mechanism for Non-performing Assets of District Central Co-operative Banks in India

AGRICULTURE INSURANCE – AN EFFECTIVE CONTROL MECHANISM FOR NON-PERFORMING ASSETS IN DISTRICT CENTRAL CO-OPERATIVE BANKS OF INDIA

All the agriculture plans projects and schemes are subjected to yield risks. As these are highly dependable to weather, monsoon, rainfall and other natural calamities the amount of risk is unpredictable. In India most of the agriculturists don’t have the awareness about the agricultural insurance plans and schemes provided by the Government in mitigating losses arising out of agriculture. If there is any loss due to natural calamities they demand only the writing off the agriculture credit availed. They don’t avail the mitigating mechanisms, which are readily available to protect them from unexpected losses. This article provides a basic knowledge about the available insurance facility to mitigate the risk in agriculture.

RISKS IN AGRICULTURE:

Five general types of risk are identified. They are:

1.Production risk – derives from the uncertain natural growth processes of crops and livestock.

2.Price or market risk – refers to uncertainty about the prices that will be received for commodities.

3.Finanacial risk – rising interest rates, the prospect of loans being called by lenders, and restricted credit availability are also aspects of financial risk.

4.Institutional risk – due to uncertainties accumulated by government actions.

5.Human or personal risk – refers to factors such as problems with human health or personal relationships that can affect the farm business.

Among agricultural insurance products, crop is considered as the most important category. Other types include cattle, poultry, equipments used for agriculture etc.

INSURABILITY UNDER AGRICULTURAL INSURANCE:

The agricultural insurance policy prescribes certain conditions regarding the insurability under the policy. These include:

1.The risks should cause economic loss to the farmer covered under the policy.

2.The loss can be expressed specifically in monetary terms.

3.The risk of loss in the future can be estimated by analyzing the past data’s.

4.The loss must not be minor or negligible.

5.The insured farmer should have the financial capacity to pay the premium amount or should be eligible for government assistance.

TYPES OF CROP INSURANCE SCHEME:

The various types of risks, which are covered under the policy, include loss of the crops due to:

Natural fire and lightning, Storm, hailstorm, cyclone, typhoon etc, Flood, inundation and landslide, Drought, dry spells, Pests/ Diseases etc.

CATEGORIES OF FARMERS COVERED UNDER THE SCHEME:

The category of farmers who are covered under the policy includes:

1.All farmers growing notified crops and availing seasonal agricultural loans from financial institutions are covered on a compulsory basis. This category is referred to as loanee farmers.

2. All other farmers growing notified crops who opt for the scheme are covered on a voluntary basis.

Sum Insured:

Farmers are also allowed to insure their crop beyond the value of the yield level.

LEVELS OF INDEMNITY:

The indemnity under the scheme varies based on the nature of risks. The scheme identifies three types of risks viz., low risk, medium risk and high risk. If the yield variation is 14 percent or less, it is considered as low risk. If the yield variation is between 16 to 30 percent, it is termed as high risk. Three levels of indemnity are available viz, 90%, 80%, and 60% for low risks.

CLAIMS SETTLEMENT UNDER CROP INSURANCE:

The claims arising out of losses under the national crop insurance schemes are shared by the implementing agency (Agriculture Insurance Corporation Of India) and the government proportionately. This sharing is done for a period of five years till the actuarial rates get implemented. In case of food crops and oilseeds, any claims beyond 100% of premium will be borne by the government. All normal claims, i.e., claims up to 150% of premium will be met by implementing.

SUM INSURED

Farmers are also allowed to insure their crop beyond the value of the yield level.

LEVELS OF INDEMNITY

The indemnity under the scheme varies based on the nature of risks viz, low risk, medium risk and high risk. If the yield variation is 14 percent or less, it is considered as low risk. If the yield variation is between 16 to 30 percent, it is termed as medium risk and above 30 percent is termed as high risk. Three levels of indemnity are available viz, 90%, 80%, and 60% for low risks.

CLAIMS SETTLEMENT UNDER CROP INSURANCE:

The claims arising out of losses under the national crop insurance scheme are shared by the implementing agency (Agriculture Insurance Corporation Of India) and the government proportionately. This sharing is done for a period of five years till the actuarial rates get implemented. In case of food crops and oilseeds, any claims beyond 100% of premium will be borne by the government. All normal claims, i.e. claims up to 150 % of premium will be met by implementing agency and claims beyond 150% shall be paid out of corpus for a period of three years. After this period of three years, claims up to 200% will be met by the implementing agency and any claims above this will be met out of corpus fund.

Implementing agency makes the settlement of claims in the case of normal losses for annual commercial or horticultural crops. This includes the claims up to 150% of premium in the first three years and 200% of premium there after subject to satisfactory claims experience. The claims beyond 150% of premium in the first three years and 200% of premium there after shall be paid out of corpus fund for a period of three years. After this period of three years, claims up to 200% will be met by the implementing agency and any claims above this will be met by out of corpus fund. Implementing agency makes the settlement of claims in the case of normal losses for annual commercial or horticultural crops. This includes the claims up to 150% of premium in the first three years and 200% of premium there after subject to satisfactory claims experience. The claims beyond 150% of premium in the first three years and 200% of premium thereafter shall be paid out of corpus fund. However, the period of three years mentioned for this purpose will be reviewed on the basis of financial results after the first year of implementation. The period will be extended to five years in case of necessity.

PILOT CROP INSURANCE SCHEMES

The first pilot crop insurance scheme was introduced in the year 1978-79. This scheme functioned till 1985 when the comprehensive crop insurance scheme was formulated. The nine states where the pilot schemes were implemented were Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, Assam, Karnataka and Rajasthan.

NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL INSURANCE SCHEME (NAIS)

(RASHTRIYA KRISHI BIMA YOJANA-RKBY)

The Objectives Of the Scheme:

Ø Provide insurance coverage and financial support to the farmers in the event of the failure of any of the notified crop as a result of natural calamities, pests & diseases.

Ø Encourage the farmers to adopt progressive farming practices, high value inputs and higher technology in Agriculture.

Ø Help stabilize farm incomes, particularly in disaster years.

RISKS COVERED

Under the scheme, comprehensive risk insurance is provided to cover yield losses due to non-preventable risks, viz.

a. Natural Fire and Lightning

b. Storm, Hailstorm, Cyclone, Typhoon, Tempest, Hurricane, Tornado etc.

c. Flood, Inundation and Landslide.

d. Pests/Diseases etc.

PREMIUM SUBSIDY

A 50% subsidy in premium is allowed for Small and Marginal farmers, which is shared equally by the Central Government and State or Union Territory Government.

PILOT SCHEME ON SEED CROP INSURANCE (PSSCI)

Objectives of the scheme:

Ø To provide financial security and income stability to the seed Growers in the event of failure of seed crop.

Ø To build confidence in the existing seed growers and stimulate participation of new growers to undertake seed production program of newly released hybrid/ improved varieties.

Ø To provide stability to the infrastructure established by the State owned Seed Corporations/ State Farms.

Ø To give a boost to the Modern Seed Industry to bring it under Scientific Principles.

The Compensation payable is on the basis of the graded scales are as follows:

Ø Failure of seed crop within one and half months of sowing and until the crop is harvested, the compensation will be 80% of the sum insured corresponding to the rejected area.

Ø Failure of seed crop after one and half month of sowing and until the crop is harvested, the compensation will be 80% of the sum insured corresponding to the rejected area.

Damages to the harvested seed crop due to operation of the above- mentioned perils while lying on the field but before removal from the field for transportation to the processing plant are covered under the scheme.

FARM INCOME INSURANCE SCHEME:

The objectives of the scheme are as follows:

Ø To provide financial support to farmers, in the event of loss in income from adverse incidence of Crop Yield (On account of natural calamities, pests and diseases) and Market Price fluctuations.

Ø To encourage the farmers to adopt prudent and progressive farming practices, both in terms of agricultural technology, and market economics.

Ø To enhance food and livelihood security of the farming community.

Ø To help stabilize farm incomes, particularly in diseaster years.

Sum Insured

The Sum insured is computed on the basis of Guaranteed Income per hectare:

Guaranteed Income (per hectare) = Average Yield of past 7 years * Indemnity Level * Minimum Support Price (MSP) or current year.

Premium Subsidy

Ø Small/ Marginal farmers: 75% of Premium

Ø Other farmers: 50% of Premium

RURAL INSURANCE SCHEMES: CATTLE INSURANCE

COVERAGE:

The insurance scheme is offered to protect owners of animals mentioned above from any natural hazards and to provide compensation to the owners of the animal when loss occurs. The insurance cover can be obtained by regularly paying small amounts called premium to the insurance company. Thus by taking a cattle insurance policy big losses befalling the few cattle owners are shared by the insurance company thereby protecting the owner.

SUM INSURED:

The sum insured depends upon the type of animal and breed such as cow, buffalo, local breed, pure breed or crossbreed. The sum also depends on the age, sex and health of animal.

POULTRY INSURANCE POLICY

Poultry means domesticated species of birds reared for eggs, meat or feathers and includes chicken, ducks, geese, turkey, etc. The poultry insurance policy provides indemnity against death of birds due to accident or diseases. The policy covers death due to fire, lightning, flood cyclone, earthquake, etc. The term poultry includes layers, broilers and parent stock.

PERSONAL ACCIDENT INSURANCE SOCIAL SECURITY SCHEME FOR POOR FAMILIES:

The scheme was introduced by the central government with a vision of rehabilitating poor families affected by death of its earning member who is not covered for compensation under any insurance scheme or any law/statute. The scheme was operated through GIC and its subsidiaries in co-ordination with the respective state governments. Now the public sector companies and state governments are handling the scheme. Initially it is introduced only in certain select districts.

SERICULTURE INSURANCE (MULBERRY SILKWORM CROP INSURANCE)

The scheme is applicable to univoltine/bivoltine/pure or hybrid races of mulberry silkworm crops. The scheme covers the worm from egg stage to cocoon i.e., from the time the eggs are purchased by the farmers till the cocoons are harvested.

MARKET AGREEMENT ON AQUACULTURE (SHRIMP) INSURANCE SCHEME

The Scheme is applicable to duly licensed arms or farms in accordance with the government notification growing brackish water shrimp/fresh water prawns by adopting extensive/modified extensive/semi-intensive system only.

HONEY BEE INSURANCE

The honeybee insurance covers beehives and/or colony belonging to cooperative societies. Bee colonies of Indian honeybee and Italian honeybee only shall be covered under the scheme. It covers accidental loss or damage to be hives and / or colony including terrorism. Paying an additional premium can also cover theft risk. The policy can be availed by co-operative societies, banks (for their members), loaners, units etc. The scheme provides both basic cover and additional cover. The Honeybee Insurance Policy will pay 80% of the claim amount by considering the total cost.

RABBIT INSURANCE

The insurance scheme is available for rabbits, which are aged between 3 months and 3 years. The premium is payable at 7% of the sum insured per annum.

ELEPHANT INSURANCE

Elephants are categorized in to temple elephant and others. Temple elephants include those aged between 5 and 60 years. The premium under this category is charged at 4.50% of the sum insured. The other category includes those aged between 5 and 60 years and above 60 and up to 65 yrs. The premium per annum is 5.00% and an additional premium of 0.5% is charged for each additional year.

SHEEP AND GOAT INSURANCE

The sheep and goat insurance policy coverage and other procedures are almost the same as that of the cattle policy. The sum insured and the indemnity amounts are same as the cattle insurance policy.

PIG INSURANCE

Poor people usually do pig rearing and thus the insurance policy assumes significance. In India, Uttar Pradesh is at the foremost position in the production of pork. The insurance coverage is available for those people who buy pigs under the IRDP schemes.

CAMEL INSURANCE

Insurance of camels assumes significance in places where they are used for different types of draught work. Camels are used for transportation purposes in hot, arid and sandy regions. One fourth of the world’s camel population is in India and thus the policy has significance in the country. The policy excludes all the common risks mentioned in the cattle insurance policy.

AGRICULTURAL PUMP SET INSURANCE

Agricultural pump set insurance policy is applicable to centrifugal pump sets and submersible pump sets. The maximum capacity of the pump set that is covered under the policy is 25 H.P. The policy gives cover only for those sets which are used for agricultural purposes and are made by approved manufacturers.

INDIAN AGRICULTURISTS POINT OF VIEW

1. The premium payable is not refundable. So they feel that it is a waste of money.

2. The government agencies do not educate them properly.

3. They feel that this is for the benefit of the government and the Insurance Companies only.

4. They feel that the premium payable is not affordable.

5. They feel that it is the responsibility of the government to clear off their losses.

6. They believe that the government will and should take up the responsibility every year.

7. They believe that the agricultural losses are impossible to mitigate.

So most of the borrowers of agricultural credit do not have the habit of repayment. It accumulates the overdue and ends in non-performing assets for the District Central Co-operative Banks (DCCBs) in India. In order to save the DCCBs the government agencies should come forward to educate the needs and uses of available agricultural insurance plans and schemes to mitigate their risks. All such facilities must me simplified and the premiums must be made affordable for the poor farmers. This will definitely reduce or share the risk of losses to both government and the poor agriculturists in India. “IT WILL BE AN EFFECTIVE MECHANISM TO CONTROL THE NON-PERFORMING ASSETS OF DCCSs IN INDIA”.

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Ghostbusters and 80s fancy dress

Ghostbusters, a classic lighthearted comedy of the eighties centered on three eccentric ghost exterminators.  A memorable film and unforgettable theme tune.  As soon as I hear the word I’m instantly humming music.  “Ghostbusters!” all eighties children are programmed to reply with ‘Who do you wanna call?’  It’s so ingrained that a phone company has cleverly adopted the theme music and catch phrase for its huge advertising campaign.  “Who do you wanna call?”  …Exactly!

Goo, green slime, jumpsuits equipped with impossible equipment and a colossal baddie in the shape of a huge exploding marshmallow man, what more could anyone ask of an 80s film? And if you’re going to an 80s fancy dress then have look at the outfits online or if you’ve got a beige jumpsuit lurking at the back of your wardrobe and are handy at DIY then have ago at making a home made version. 

The four Ghostbusters:
Dr Peter Venkman – Bill Murray
Dr Raymond Stantz – Dan Aykroyd
Dr Egon Spengler – Harold Ramis
Louis Tully – Rick Moranis

And

Dana Barrett – Sigourney Weaver

Ghostbusters costume for 80s fancy dress
The Ghostbuster outfit is an excellent 80s fancy dress costume for individuals, pairs or groups. The outfit comes as a beige jumpsuit with front zip and Ghostbusters’ logo.  There’s an inflatable proton pack and gun included.  They even give you a puncture repair pack if you need it!  Finish it off with an 80s style wig.

If you’re going to order more than 4 make sure you place your order at the same time and you’ll get a discount! 

The ladies have their own jumpsuit with smaller rubber proton pack that can be used as a handbag or just for effect.  It includes an adjustable cap with the ghostbuster logo.  Wear a pair of black ankle boots to finish the outfit off and it’s a great opportunity to wear a long flowing 80s style wig.

 

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Farewell To Bed Bugs – Exterminating Every Last One Of Them…

Bed bugs are the most persistent of parasites that have ever graced this planet. As they are very tiny, they creep into the smallest of crevices and cracks. It is useless to scrub surfaces or apply pesticides and try getting rid of them

Hence, you must not take any risks while treating bugs. Professionals, who actually know what they are into must be sought for, while treating or controlling infestations of bed bugs.

Bites of Bed bugs and diseases

Health organizations across the globe confirm that there are no diseases that are caused or spread by bed bugs. However, a little bit of the saliva of bed bugs are left under host’s skin, but they don’t cause or transfer diseases.

This is the difference between bed bugs and other insects like mosquitoes that suck blood and also transfer dengue, malaria and other diseases.

But, the bites of bed bugs because irritation in the skin and leaves itchy marks that are uncomfortable. The bites of bed bugs, most often, look like that of any other insect.

Though bed bugs don’t cause health hazards, the irritation and itchiness caused by the bed bugs on your skin will make you seek a treatment for the bed bugs that have infested your house.

It may cause blemishes or itching wounds in the skin if the bugs keep biting continuously. Other people may develop allergies which can cause serious skin problems at a later date.

Planning an attack

If the bed bugs are to be removed from your home, you must plan it thoroughly. A strategy that is well thought upon must be formed.

Before pest control operators in your area are called for, you ought to be ready to throw or discard many things in your house, which may pose as a possible habitat for the bed bugs inside your house.

Mostly, bedbugs that infest beds cannot be treated as they are so very tiny that they creep into the beds through the tiniest of holes in the bed. Even pesticides are not completely effective when it is a bed bug infestation that is to be treated.

Still, things that are infested by bed bugs cannot be discarded easily too. Just because you wish to rid your house off those parasites does not meant that you need not consider the welfare of those around you that is your neighbors.

Hence, things infested by bed bugs must be disposed with utmost care. Mostly, the things are burned or even isolated from other things by enclosing in an air tight bag so that the bugs do not get transferred onto another thing or area that can play host for them.

As adult bugs can live without food for a year, the infested thing must be burned, or else they must be isolated from everything and mostly from other things that can be a host like the bodies of human beings or animals.

Also, the room that was once infested ought to be cleaned thoroughly so that the eggs that could have been laid by the adult bugs that were exterminated are removed.

Better be safe than sorry:

It is said that it is better to be safe than sorry. The best way to prevent accumulation of bed bugs is maintenance of hygiene and cleanliness.

If you travel a lot, make sure that there are no bed bugs in the hotel rooms you stay in. Else, they will stick to your bags and baggage and return with you to your house, which will not be a pleasant experience.

Regular check ups of rooms and visits from professionals is advisable as they know more about infestation of pests than you can possibly know, ever. Their help and advice must be sought if you wish to determine if bed bugs have infested your house or if you wish to get rid and banish them from your house.

If bed bugs have infested your room, transferring the infestation is not the proper solution, because the chances that the bed bugs go along with your furniture to your new house are very large.

Hence, finally, the bed bugs’ infestation must be treated only by you. You must be hygienic and well informed about bed bugs. Keep researching about them and look for professional help if you feel that there is a bed bug infestation in your house.

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What products are exempt from the CCCR?

The Consumer Chemicals and Container Regulations (CCCR 2001) is issued under Canada’s Hazardous Products Act. As such, any product that is not subject to the Hazardous Products Act and associated regulations are exempt from the CCCR as they are governed by other pieces of legislation. Section 3.1 of the Hazardous Products Act states:

“This Part does not apply in respect of the advertising, sale or importation of any

(a) explosive within the meaning of the Explosives Act;

(b) cosmetic, device, drug or food within the meaning of the Food and Drugs Act;

(c) pest control product as defined in subsection 2(1) of the Pest Control Products Act; or

(d) nuclear substance, within the meaning of the Nuclear Safety and Control Act, that is radioactive.” Furthermore Section 3.2 goes on to add that tobacco products are also exempt from the Hazardous Products act:

“This Part does not apply to the advertising, sale or importation of a tobacco product as defined in section 2 of the Tobacco Act or the advertising of lighters or matches that display a tobacco product-related brand element, except to the extent that a cigarette described in item 41 of Part I of Schedule I is a prohibited product.”

The CCCR 2001 itself lists a number of exemptions in Section 2, Subsection 2:

“These Regulations do not apply to

(a) a chemical product if a user cannot be exposed to the product or to any of its hazardous ingredients during reasonably foreseeable use;

(b) a portable petroleum container that conforms with CSA B306 or CSA B376;

(c) a lighter;

(d) a portable fire extinguisher that conforms with ULC-S503, ULC-S504, ULC-S507 or ULC-S512; or

(e) a container of fuel, such as gasoline, ethanol or propane, if the container is permanently attached to an internal combustion engine, a gas turbine or an appliance that uses the fuel.”

The term “reasonably foreseeable use” is potentially vague, so the CCCR reference manual provides the following guidance:

“The term “reasonably foreseeable use” means that a supplier must consider the various ways in which a product might be used by the general public, regardless of the original intent. Although consumer chemical products are
not intended to be consumed, the swallowing of a product by a child is considered to be reasonably foreseeable use.

Another example is the common consumer practice of mixing bleach with another product, such as a toilet bowl cleaner (an acid), thereby creating toxic fumes. However, intentional abuse, such as chemical substance abuse,
suicide or other criminal use, are not included within the scope of the CCCR, 2001; such uses may be subject to civil liability laws and the Criminal Code.”