Raipur, October 30, 2026: The Vishnu Deo Sai government has issued directives to expedite the completion of surveys regarding damage to standing crops and harvested produce, caused by rainfall and strong winds associated with Cyclone ‘Arnab’ across various districts of Chhattisgarh.
In this regard, the state government has instructed all District Collectors, Deputy Directors of Agriculture, and insurance companies to conduct surveys based on the reports of crop loss received from farmers. These surveys must be completed promptly and within the stipulated timeframe to ensure that affected farmers receive their claim payouts without delay.
Under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (Prime Minister’s Crop Insurance Scheme), 11 crops are notified in the state: paddy (irrigated), paddy (unirrigated), maize, soybean, groundnut, pigeon pea (arhar), green gram (moong), black gram (urad), kodo, kutki, and finger millet (ragi).
The scheme includes provisions for claim payouts in the event of damage to notified crops due to unseasonal rainfall (classified as a local disaster). Furthermore, it covers damage to harvested crops, specifically those left in the field to dry, if such damage occurs within 14 days of harvesting due to a cyclone, cyclonic rain, or unseasonal rainfall.
Under the scheme, a total of 2,126,576 hectares of paddy cultivation in the state is covered by insurance. In the event of a decline in production due to untimely rainfall, provisions exist for claim payouts based on ‘crop-cutting experiments.’ The department is currently conducting these necessary experiments, and insurance companies have been directed to ensure the immediate disbursement of claim amounts to the farmers.
Officials stated that a total of 59,666 reports of crop damage have been received following the adverse impact of the cyclone. Out of these, the survey process for 88 reported cases has been completed, while the survey for the remaining cases is currently underway.
In the event of crop loss, farmers can report the damage by calling the toll-free number 14447 of the ‘Krishi Rakshak’ (Agriculture Protector) portal within 72 hours of the occurrence. Upon receiving the notification, the insurance company will appoint a surveyor within 48 hours. The survey will be completed within 10 days, and the eligible claim amount will be paid directly into the farmer’s bank account within 15 days following the survey.
For further information, farmers can also seek assistance by contacting their local Rural Agriculture Extension Officer, Senior Agriculture Development Officer, Deputy Director of Agriculture, or their respective bank branch.
