Farmers are once again demanding a comprehensive crop insurance policy in the wake of Punjab's devastating floods. The agricultural community contends that their livelihoods are constantly in danger due to the unpredictable weather patterns made worse by climate change. With this year's floods causing widespread damage, farmers say that current compensation measures are insufficient, and they are seeking more robust government support.
Extreme weather has led to farmers in Punjab losing money each year for many years. In March 2022, a sudden rise in temperature before the wheat harvest led to major damage to the crops. Even small changes in the weather can ruin whole harvests, showing how risky their situation is and how important it is for them to have something like crop insurance to rely on.
Most areas had flooding because of the heavy rains in July and August this year, which covered fields and ruined the rice crops. Many farmers who were affected say they are losing up to £525 for each acre of land because of things like crops being destroyed, planting being delayed, and fields being waterlogged.
Even though the Punjab government said they would give £150 per acre as compensation, the farmers are still facing real financial losses. This lack has led people to wonder if the existing support system is really enough.
Harinder Singh Lakhowal, a farmer leader from Kohara, said, "Punjab has suffered huge losses due to floods. Prime Minister Modi came and announced a relief package, but we need more than token compensation. Sometimes it is fire, sometimes rain, sometimes floods—our crops are constantly at risk. There must be a proper crop insurance scheme. The Centre’s existing scheme should be corrected to cover every acre, with the government paying the premium so that farmers are truly protected."
Lakhbir Singh from Baddowal, Ludhiana, echoed: "The 20,000 per acre compensation announced by the Punjab government is too little. Given the repeated damages, there must be crop insurance, with the government paying the premium. Only then can farmers survive these natural calamities." He added, "This year, not only crops but also houses and livestock were destroyed. The government should at least give 50,000 per acre for crops and 1 lakh per animal lost."
SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami stressed the need for a robust insurance scheme. He said floods have caused massive damage to standing crops, yet the government has failed to provide adequate protection. According to him, farmers face repeated losses from natural disasters like floods, heavy rains, and fires, but no long-term mechanism exists to secure their livelihoods. Dhami emphasised that crop insurance must be mandatory and effective to prevent farmers from being left helpless after each disaster.
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Dhami criticised the authorities for not establishing a special committee to tackle the crisis. He said the current system fails to adequately cover farmers, leaving them burdened by losses year after year. Dhami called for a comprehensive policy where the state covers the premium to avoid financially straining farmers, noting that current disaster compensation is far below actual losses. He insisted that farmers need genuine assurance of protection, not mere token relief.
Political figures have also backed the farmers’ demands. Malvinder Kang, AAP MP from Anandpur Sahib, told India Today: "Yes, there must be crop insurance. There is already a Centre government scheme, but it needs to be corrected. If the premium is charged per acre, then compensation should also be per acre. Right now, benefits are only given if 70–80% of villages in a block are impacted. That is unfair. The insurance must protect farmers during calamities, not just benefit insurance companies. This must be fixed."
Also Read: 2,200 Punjab schools affected by floods
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