Agriculture and Horticulture Departments Jointly Secure First Prize at 13th National Review Conference
Raipur (Economy India): Chhattisgarh has earned prestigious national recognition by being declared India’s Best State for the outstanding implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) and the Restructured Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme (RWBCIS). The state’s Agriculture Department and Horticulture Department were jointly honoured with the First Prize, underscoring Chhattisgarh’s strong commitment to farmer welfare and effective agricultural governance.
The award was presented at the 13th National Review Conference, held in Bengaluru, Karnataka, on January 18–19, 2026, a key national forum that evaluates the performance of crop insurance schemes across Indian states and union territories. The conference witnessed participation from senior officials of the Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, state governments, insurance companies, financial institutions, and agricultural policy experts.
National Recognition for Robust Implementation
Chhattisgarh’s selection as the top-performing state reflects its efficient execution, administrative coordination, and farmer-centric approach in implementing crop insurance schemes. The evaluation process assessed multiple parameters, including:
- Coverage of farmers and cropped area
- Timely settlement of insurance claims
- Accuracy in yield estimation and loss assessment
- Use of technology and digital platforms
- Coordination between state departments, insurance companies, and financial institutions
Officials noted that Chhattisgarh stood out for its transparent processes and strong field-level implementation, ensuring that the benefits of crop insurance reached farmers in a timely and effective manner.
Integrated Approach by Agriculture and Horticulture Departments
A key highlight of Chhattisgarh’s achievement is the joint recognition of both the Agriculture and Horticulture Departments, reflecting the state’s integrated strategy to protect farmers cultivating food grains, oilseeds, pulses, and horticultural crops alike.
The award was received on behalf of the state by Shri Neeraj Shaha, In-charge Joint Director, Horticulture Department, who represented Chhattisgarh at the national conference. Officials present at the event acknowledged the coordinated efforts of district-level officers, field staff, and implementing agencies across the state.
Leadership Applauds Officials and Farmers
The Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh and the State Agriculture Minister have congratulated officers and employees of both departments for this national-level achievement. In their congratulatory messages, they emphasized that the award is not only a recognition of administrative efficiency but also a major success for the farmers of Chhattisgarh.
“The national honour reflects the success of our farmer-focused agricultural policies. Our priority has always been to ensure income security for farmers and protect them against risks arising from climate uncertainty,” senior officials said.
They further highlighted that the state government will continue to strengthen systems related to grievance redressal, awareness campaigns, and technology-driven monitoring to make crop insurance schemes more effective.
Strengthening Farmer Security Amid Climate Risks
With increasing challenges such as erratic rainfall, droughts, floods, and unseasonal weather events, crop insurance has become a critical safety net for Indian farmers. Chhattisgarh’s effective implementation of PMFBY and RWBCIS has helped:
- Expand insurance coverage among small and marginal farmers
- Ensure quicker and more transparent claim settlements
- Build farmer confidence in government-backed insurance schemes
- Reduce financial stress during crop loss situations
Agricultural experts believe that Chhattisgarh’s performance demonstrates how strong governance and field-level coordination can significantly improve the impact of crop insurance programs.
A Model for Other States
Chhattisgarh’s success at the 13th National Review Conference positions the state as a model for agricultural risk management in India. Policymakers at the national level have indicated that best practices adopted by Chhattisgarh could be replicated in other states to enhance the overall effectiveness of crop insurance schemes.
As India works towards building a climate-resilient agricultural economy, such achievements highlight the importance of proactive state policies and farmer-first implementation strategies.
The national ‘Best State’ award for crop insurance implementation is a significant milestone for Chhattisgarh. It reinforces the state’s reputation as a leader in agricultural governance and reflects the tangible impact of its policies on the lives of farmers. As climate challenges intensify, Chhattisgarh’s achievement serves as a strong example of how timely insurance protection and effective administration can safeguard farmer livelihoods and promote sustainable agricultural growth.
(Economy India)
