Goa’s government has rolled out a new crop insurance scheme to protect farmers from losses due to natural calamities. Aimed at boosting agricultural resilience, the initiative offers affordable premiums and faster claim processing. With a focus on key crops like paddy and cashew, the scheme integrates digital tools for transparency, ensuring farmers in Goa’s rural heartlands secure their livelihoods against unpredictable weather.
Goa Unveils Crop Insurance Scheme to Empower Farmers
The Goa government has introduced a transformative crop insurance scheme under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) framework, tailored to safeguard the state’s farmers from the growing risks of climate-induced crop losses. Announced in early July 2025, the initiative aims to provide financial security to farmers grappling with unpredictable monsoons, pests, and other natural calamities that threaten their livelihoods.
The scheme, which aligns with the central government’s PMFBY, covers major crops grown in Goa, including paddy, cashew, and coconut, which are vital to the state’s agrarian economy. Farmers can enroll by July 31, 2025, for the Kharif season, with premiums set at 2% for cereals and pulses and 5% for commercial crops, making it accessible to small and marginal farmers. The state has partnered with the Agriculture Insurance Company of India to ensure smooth implementation.
A key feature of the scheme is its use of digital tools like the GoaOnline platform, which has processed over 9.3 lakh service requests since 2017, to streamline enrollment and claim processes. Farmers can register through Common Service Centres (CSCs) or directly via mobile phones, ensuring accessibility even in remote areas. The government has also deployed Gramin Mitras to assist rural households with enrollment, delivering services like crop insurance registrations to their doorsteps.
To enhance transparency, the scheme mandates e-Peek Pahani (digital crop inspection) and farmer ID verification, reducing the risk of fraudulent claims, a concern highlighted in recent Maharashtra crop insurance scams where 4,453 bogus applications were filed. Goa’s authorities have emphasized strict monitoring to prevent such irregularities, with local representatives involved in damage assessment surveys.
The scheme also addresses localized losses, covering events like floods, droughts, and pest attacks, which are increasingly common in Goa due to changing climate patterns. For instance, recent heavy rains in Kozhikode, a neighboring region, caused crop losses worth ₹3 crore, underscoring the need for robust insurance. In Goa, farmers like Ramesh Naik from Ponda, who lost half his paddy crop to unseasonal rains last year, expressed hope that the new scheme’s faster claim processing will provide timely relief.
Agriculture Minister Vijay Sardesai, known for his unconventional suggestion that farmers meditate in fields to boost output, has championed this initiative as a practical step toward agricultural resilience. The government is also promoting awareness through campaigns at village markets and milk dairies, ensuring maximum enrollment. As of now, thousands of farmers have shown interest, with officials expecting a surge in registrations before the deadline.
The scheme’s focus on technology and affordability is expected to benefit Goa’s 50,000-plus farmers, particularly those in rainfed areas, where 90% of agricultural land depends on monsoons. By integrating with central schemes and leveraging digital infrastructure, Goa aims to set a model for other states in protecting farmers from the uncertainties of modern agriculture.
Disclaimer: This article is based on recent reports and publicly available information from sources like The Indian Express, Times of India, and The Hindu. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, readers are advised to verify details with official government announcements or local agricultural offices for the latest updates.