Alleging incessant delay in getting crop insurance claims, Odisha farmers have threatened to observe August 15 as ‘black day’ if the government fails to disburse the due amount by then. It is being alleged that insurance companies are blatantly cheating farmers across the State, especially in districts like Bargarh, Balasore and Ganjam among others.
Surprisingly, farmers of 12 panchayats in Rangeilunda of Ganjam district are yet to get their insurance claims for their crops damaged in cyclone Titli that had hit Odisha coast in October last year. “Crops were damaged in around 12-13 panchayats. The insurance company had come for inspection and did carry out damage assessment in the region, but we are yet to get even a single penny,” said a farmer in Rangeilunda, Sudarshan Patro.