New insurance scheme to be introduced to protect mushroom farmers

The Agricultural and Agrarian Insurance Board, operating under the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation, is planning to introduce a new insurance scheme for mushroom cultivations.Under the proposed scheme, a mushroom cultivation house consisting of 250 grow-bag units can be insured for a three-month period at a premium of approximately Rs. 2,025.The scheme will provide compensation of Rs. 22,500 if an established mushroom cultivation is damaged due to diseases or insect infestations.Mushroom farmers who cultivate according to recommendations issued by the Department of Agriculture will be eligible to obtain coverage under the insurance programme, which aims to protect growers from unexpected losses, the Ministry of Agriculture said in a statement.The initiative is being implemented by the Agricultural and Agrarian Insurance Board with the objective of promoting mushroom cultivation and providing greater security to farmers engaged in the industry.