Many farmers in Shivamogga sought clarity from the district administration on the condition of rain gauges before enrolling in the Weather-Based Crop Insurance Scheme for 2026-27. Their concerns stemmed from widespread discrepancies in compensation paid during the 2024-25 season, which were attributed to faulty rain-gauge monitoring.

The Department of Horticulture has launched a registration drive, urging growers to enrol in the weather-based crop insurance scheme covering areca, pepper and ginger crops across the district, and mango in Shivamogga, Sorab and Shikaripur taluks. Farmers must pay their share of the premium by July 31.

Premium rates have been fixed at ₹6,400 per hectare for areca, ₹4,230 for pepper, ₹8,000 for mango and ₹6,500 for ginger. The Agriculture Insurance Company of India Limited has been awarded the crop insurance tender for Shivamogga district.

Compensation will be calculated on the basis of rainfall data recorded by rain gauges installed at the gram panchayat level. However, the enrolment drive has raised concerns among farmers over the accuracy and maintenance of these rain-gauge systems.

Rain gauge reliability

Farmers and elected representatives have sought clarity on whether rain gauges across the district have been repaired or replaced. Sathyanarayana G.T., former gram panchayat president of Tumari in Sagar taluk, recently sought clarification from the District Commissioner through social media on whether all rain-gauge stations in the district are functional. Similar concerns have been raised in various constituencies, with farmers demanding transparency on the condition of the gauges before enrolling in the scheme.

The apprehension stems from the experience of the 2024-25 season, when compensation varied widely despite similar weather conditions and comparable crop losses in neighbouring villages. The discrepancies triggered protests by farmers and raised serious questions about the scientific credibility of the scheme.

Repair work under way

It was said that of the 280 rain gauges installed across Shivamogga district, around 220 were non-functional and poorly maintained. Farmers and elected representatives demanded corrective measures and assurances that compensation would be assessed on a scientifically sound basis before the new registration period began.

Shivamogga MP B.Y. Raghavendra discussed the issue in detail at a meeting on Thursday. “When I reviewed the situation earlier, barely 60 rain gauges were operational, while the rest required repairs,” he told reporters. “Repair and restoration work is under way. Officers have assured me that all the gauges will be brought into good working condition within a week,” he said.

Term sheets

The meeting also addressed critical issues in the insurance term sheet, a set of conditions that require revision before finalisation. The MP noted that during the 2024-25 season, nearly 38,500 maize growers had registered for crop insurance. The total premium collected, including the government’s contribution, was ₹3.8 crore. However, farmers received only ₹2.57 crore in compensation, leaving a shortfall of ₹1.23 crore.

“The insurance term sheet contains conditions that disadvantage farmers,” Mr. Raghavendra said. “For example, the company assesses crop loss based on the average rainfall recorded over the previous seven years rather than actual rainfall during the current season. Such clauses prevent farmers from receiving fair compensation. Officers must review these terms carefully and ensure that they safeguard farmers’ interests,” he added.