Crop insurance expanded due to climate volatility and extreme weather risks

Colombo, June 18 (Daily Mirror) - Due to growing concerns over climate volatility and extreme weather patterns, the Agricultural and Agrarian Insurance Board under the Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation Ministry has expanded its crop insurance coverage islandwide, introducing a broader scheme designed to protect farmers from natural disaster-related losses.

The initiative now extends insurance protection across all major crops, with special emphasis placed on key plantation sectors including cinnamon, rubber, banana, tea, and coconut cultivation. Authorities say the programme is part of a wider preparedness strategy to reduce agricultural vulnerability in the face of increasingly unpredictable weather conditions.

Officials have also rolled out dedicated insurance arrangements for seed paddy farms, aiming to safeguard the foundation of the country’s rice production cycle.

The scheme is offered at a concessional premium, allowing farmers to access financial protection at reduced costs. The programme is expected to provide relief to cultivators facing recurring threats from droughts, heavy rains, and other climate-related disruptions.

Environmental observers warn that agriculture remains highly exposed to shifting climate patterns, particularly under the influence of the ongoing El Niño conditions, which are linked to erratic rainfall and prolonged dry spells.

Farmers seeking further details can contact the Agricultural and Agrarian Insurance Board head office, its network of 30 district offices, or the 1918 hotline for assistance and enrolment information.