09 February 2024, New Delhi: Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and Tribal Affairs Mr. Arjun Munda launched the centralized “Kisan Rakshak Helpline 14447 and Portal”, Agri-Insurance Sandbox Framework Platform SARTHI and Learning Management System (LMS) Platform for the farming community under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) in Delhi today. Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and Food Processing Sushri Shobha Karandlaje and Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Mr. Kailash Choudhary, Secretary Mr. Manoj Ahuja were also present on the occasion.
Since its inception in 2016, the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) has been a safety net for farmers in India, protecting them from the unpredictability of nature through crop insurance. It became crucial for the scheme to ensure farmers could navigate the claim process, submit grievances, seek information on their queries and obtain timely assistance without difficulty. To address these challenges and ensure prompt support for farmers, the Government has introduced the Krishi Rakshak Portal and Helpline (KRPH) 14447. This platform provides multilingual support, enabling transparent communication and real-time resolution of grievances related to compensation delays and insurance queries. By streamlining processes and offering accessible assistance, KRPH underscores the Government’s steadfast commitment to the welfare and prosperity of the farming community.
In his address, Union Minister Mr. Munda said, “India is the country of farmers. The Ministry of Agriculture is working continuously under the guidance of Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi to support and empower the farmers. Keeping this in mind, efforts are being made to increase the income of farmers and make them self-sufficient through the schemes run by the Government.” He also said that the continuous efforts are being made by the Government in this direction. He said that there is an opportunity to be a partner in empowering farmers technically and digitally as well. For the same purpose, the Krishi Rakshak Portal and Helpline, Sandbox Framework and LMS Platform have been launched under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana. Union Agriculture Minister emphasized the Government’s focus on leveraging technology for the betterment of farmers’ lives.
Another significant launch was The Learning Management System (LMS), developed in collaboration with the National E-Governance Division (NeGD). Its primary goal is to provide stakeholders, including farmers, insurance companies, Government officials, state Government representatives, and participants in the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), with the essential skills and knowledge needed for efficient crop insurance and agricultural credit. The LMS will facilitate training and knowledge sharing through interactive modules, personalized training programs, and accessible resources. Stakeholders can deepen their understanding of agricultural practices, crop insurance protocols, and financial mechanisms. The LMS can be accessed on https://elearn-pmfbykcc.lms.gov.in.
Mr. Munda said that efforts have also been going on continuously to improve the implementation of the scheme in the last few years. The Government is committed to promoting such schemes in the agriculture sector, which can reduce risk and improve income for farmers. He told the officials that they should try resolving the problems of farmers with usage of data. He mentioned that he is elated to observe that the Ministry of Agriculture is working in a real organized manner for every single farmer, focusing on adaptation of digital and technology in agriculture.
While crop insurance has been a primary product for farmers, the Government has also extended insurance to the entire agricultural community through other products. Recognizing the multifaceted risks faced by farmers beyond crop losses, the comprehensive digital insurance platform SARTHI was launched in collaboration with UNDP India. SARTHI extends coverage to health, life, home, shop, agriculture implements, motor, and parametric products. SARTHI can be accessed via the AIDE app available on Android App Store.
This ambitious endeavour, aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals, not only aims to safeguard farmers’ livelihoods but also to fortify the resilience of the agricultural sector as a whole. With 56 crore applications already enrolled under PMFBY, SARTHI marks a significant advancement beyond traditional crop insurance, offering a diverse array of products tailored to farmers’ needs. By expanding insurance coverage to include vital assets like tractor machinery, SARTHI empowers farmers to comprehensively mitigate risks, securing their livelihoods and fostering long-term sustainability in agriculture.
The launch of the LMS, KRPH – 14447, and SARTHI represents the latest milestone in the Ministry of Agriculture’s ongoing transformative journey in Indian agriculture. These initiatives, introduced alongside cutting-edge technologies such as YES-Tech, Digi-Claim, WINDS, CROPIC, and AIDE app, underscore the Government’s unwavering commitment to innovation, resilience, and sustainability in farming. Together, these initiatives embody a holistic approach to fostering the welfare and sustainability of the farming community, aligning with the Government’s vision for a resilient and prosperous agricultural sector.
