(a) whether the Government has launched a pilot scheme on seed crop insurance;
(b) if so, the details thereof alongwith the main features of the said scheme;
(c) the States where this scheme has been introduced in the first phase; and
(d) the efforts made by the Government to implement the scheme throughout the country?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE
(SHRIKANTI LALBHURIA)
(a): Yes, Sir. The scheme was launched in Rabi 1999.
(b): The scheme was launched to provide financial security and income stability to the
breeder/seed grower in the event of failure of seed crop and to strengthen confidence in the
existing seed breeder/grower and stimulate participation of new breeder/grower to undertake seed
production programme of newly released hybrid/improved varieties.
Crops covered are Paddy, Wheat, Maize, Jowar, Bajra, Ragi, Gram, Redgram, Blackgram, Greengram,
Pea, Groundnut, Soybean, Sunflower, Castor, Mustard, Cotton and Potato.
The type of seed covered are breeder, foundation and certified seed.
Risk coverage at field stage shall be 40% of sum insured if the crop fails within 45 days of
sowing and 80% if the seed crop fails after 45 days of sowing and until the crop is harvested.
The seed produced, if failed to qualify as `Seed` shall have salvage value. The value of salvage
ranges from 20 to 40% for hybrids and 20 to 60% for other varieties. The salvage is applicable
in case of losses at certification stage only.
Premium rate for Wheat and Groundnut 2%, Sunflower 2.5%, Paddy 3%, Jowar 3.5%, Gram, Red-gram,
Cotton, Bajra, Soyabean and Maize 5%.
(c)&(d): The scheme was introduced in the State of Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Haryana,
Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Orissa, Punjab, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh in the first
phase. However, the scheme did not pick up and it was not further promoted.