Karachi Web Desk:
The Sindh government has announced a groundbreaking initiative to introduce a crop insurance program aimed at compensating farmers for losses caused by natural calamities. This decision was made during a key meeting chaired by Sindh’s Minister of Agriculture, Sardar Muhammad Bux Mahar.
High-Level Meeting with Key Stakeholders
The meeting was attended by Agriculture Secretary Sohail Ahmed Qureshi, Deputy Secretary Ahmed Ali Sheikh, country head of insurance firm Polar Advisors, Widad Durrani, and other officials. The participants briefed the minister on the proposed crop insurance program, highlighting its importance in mitigating losses due to floods, heavy rains, diseases, pests, heatwaves, and climate change.
Minister’s Vision for Farmers’ Welfare
Sardar Muhammad Bux Mahar emphasized the necessity of crop insurance to protect farmers from potential disasters. “We aim to provide crop insurance under the Benazir Hari Card to support farmers and safeguard their livelihoods,” he stated. The program is designed to cover major crops like rice, cotton, and wheat.
Pilot Project to Begin in 2025
The Agriculture Department has approved a one-year pilot project for crop insurance, which is set to begin with the Kharif season in 2025. The initial phase will cover two districts, Larkana and Ghotki, as a trial. If successful, the program will expand to 27 additional districts and include other crops such as sugarcane.
Support from Polar Advisors
Polar Advisors will provide technical assistance and implement an area-yield index insurance model to support Sindh’s farmers. The Sindh government will fund the insurance premiums, ensuring accessible coverage for farmers.
Future Prospects
Minister Mahar expressed optimism about the program’s success. “If the pilot project is effective, we will extend it to other districts and crops,” he said. The initiative aligns with the government’s commitment to bolstering agricultural resilience and supporting farmers in times of need.
This progressive step by the Sindh government marks a significant move towards protecting the agricultural sector from climate risks and ensuring the financial stability of farmers across the province.
