more-in Kozhikode: Agriculture Minister V.S. Sunilkumar on Sunday announced the decision of the State government to consider a major revision of the existing crop insurance benefits for farmers as part of the government’s special support schemes with focus on those engaged in paddy and coconut cultivation. Mr. Sunil Kumar, who explained the benefits in detail while launching paddy harvesting at Avalapandy kole land in Perambra Assembly constituency, said the revised scheme would offer ?35,000 per hectare to paddy farmers in case of unexpected crop loss. “Now, the amount is only ?12,000,” he pointed out. The Minister said the revised insurance package would be ?2,000 instead of ?700 per coconut tree for farmers in case of natural calamities or pest infestation. For plantains, the amount will be raised from ?50 to ?300, he said, adding that the premium amount of ?100 would remain unchanged. Perambra Development Mission convener M. Kunhammad said the Avalapandy kole land farming project, covering around 1,100 acres, was a thumping success. “We hope to generate a total revenue of ?2.31 crore from the venture. Our investment was around ?66 lakh,” he added. Minister for Transport A.K. Saseendran chaired the inaugural event. Cine actor Sreenivasan was the chief guest. It was in November 2016 that the large-scale padding farming project was launched in the area, which had remained fallow for close to three decades. Meanwhile, the cooperation of various local bodies and experts from the Agriculture Department had been sought to make the venture a success. Perambra Development Mission coordinators said the rice harvested from the field would be branded in the ‘Avalapandy rice’ tag.

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