Crop cutting experiments (CCE) held at various fields in the district has shown that crop loss was between 80 and 85% of under irrigated areas and 95 to 100% in rainfed areas – mostly millets and pulses. Of the total 2,088 CCEs planned to asses damage in the district, 1,300 CCEs were over.
Crop cutting experiments were being conducted in paddy, pulses and millets in the district to assess crop damage. Standing crops in five square metre would be harvested, thrashed and quantum of grains and straw weighted to assess the loss. Full insured amount would be given to farmers who received zero yield.
For example, regular yield of paddy was 25 kg per five sq.m., but farmers got less than five kg now after CCE at Vellampatti village. Similarly, harvested straw was just nine kg against normal 45 kg. Yield in rainfed areas was worse. Experiments showed that yield in rainfed areas was only 5%.
The statistical department would compile and submit report on CCE to the insurance firms who in turn would deposit the insured amount in the savings account of beneficiary farmers, said Joint Director of Agriculture M. Thangasamy.
Of the 238 CCE planned for cholam, 178 was over. Similarly, 350 out of 506 CCE for maize, 90 out of 266 CCE for paddy, 30 out of 68 CCE for red gram, 230 out of 348 were completed. “We will complete all CCEs by March 15,” he added.
Inspecting the crop cutting experiment held at Vellampatti village in Vedasandur block near here on Friday, Collector T.G. Vinay said that 39,539 farmers in the district were enrolled for this Rabi season under Prime Minister Fasal Bima Yojana, a new crop insurance scheme.
Paddy, black gram, green gram, red gram, cotton, groundnut, sesame, paddy, maize, white cholam and cumbu were covered under this scheme during this season. All beneficiaries would get suitable compensation soon, he said and directed the agriculture officials to complete CCE quickly.
