PRESS RELEASE Hon'ble Minister for Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Thiru R. Visoothat appeals to farmers to insure their Kuruvai season paddy and other crops under the crop insurance scheme through Common Service Centres, Primary Agricultural Cooperative Credit Societies and nationalised banks by 31st July. To ensure that farmers' welfare and livelihood are protected from crop losses caused by natural calamities, the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (Prime Minister's Crop Insurance Scheme) is being implemented in 2026-2027 as per the orders of the Hon'ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. This scheme will be implemented in 14 clusters covering all 37 districts of the State during the Kuruvai season. Kar/Kuruvai/Sornavari paddy and other crops are currently being cultivated in all districts. Of the roughly 9 lakh acres already brought under all Kuruvai season crops, about 6 lakh acres have been sown with Kuruvai paddy. Since the prevailing El Niño phenomenon is expected to result in below-normal south-west monsoon rainfall, Kuruvai and Mazhuvaadi crops are likely to be affected. Taking this into account, and in order to protect farmers' livelihoods, 14 agricultural crops — paddy, maize, redgram, blackgram, greengram, groundnut, ragi, sorghum, bajra, horsegram (Lablab), sesame, cotton, samai (little millet) and kollu (horsegram) — and 12 horticultural crops — banana, tapioca, onion, potato, carrot, brinjal, chillies, turmeric, tomato, garlic, ginger and cabbage — have been notified under the Prime Minister's Crop Insurance Scheme for the 2026 Kuruvai season. From today (25/06/2026), farmers can insure the notified crops through the National Crop Insurance Portal. The last date for insuring Kuruvai paddy in Ranipettai and Tiruvannamalai districts is 15.07.2026. In other notified districts, farmers may insure their crops until 31 July 2026. Under this scheme, losses covered include yield loss, prevented sowing/planting, failed sowing/planting, and losses arising from localised or mid-season adversities and post-harvest losses, as recommended by the districts. Farmers who have taken loans can insure the notified crops through Primary Agricultural Cooperative Credit Societies and nationalised banks. Farmers who have not taken loans can register directly through Common Service Centres (e-Sevai centres) or via the "Farmer Corner" on the National Crop Insurance Portal. The final date for insurance is 31.07.2026, and this deadline will not be extended under any circumstances. While registering under this scheme, farmers are advised, along with the proposal application, to attach the registration form, the crop/sowing certificate issued by the Village Administrative Officer, a copy of the first page of the bank passbook, and a copy of the Aadhaar Card; after paying the premium amount and obtaining the receipt, they should verify that the crop, village and sub-division details are correctly recorded on it. For further details, farmers may contact the Assistant Director of Agriculture (Block), Agriculture Officer, Assistant Agriculture Officer, or bank branches concerned. Hon'ble Minister for Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Thiru R. Visoothat has appealed to farmers to insure the notified crops in the notified areas of their districts and benefit from this crop insurance scheme, which the Government of Tamil Nadu is implementing for the welfare of farmers. Issued By: - Director, Department of Information and Public Relations, Chennai-9