Union Minister Arjun Munda Unveils Initiatives for Farmer Welfare

New Delhi: Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and Tribal Affairs, Shri Arjun Munda, launched key initiatives aimed at enhancing farmer welfare, including the centralized “Kisan Rakshak Helpline 14447 and Portal,” the Agri-Insurance Sandbox Framework Platform SARTHI, and the Learning Management System (LMS) Platform under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY).

Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and Food Processing, Sushri Shobha Karandlaje, and Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Kailash Choudhary, along with Secretary Shri Manoj Ahuja, joined Shri Arjun Munda during the launch event.

The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), in operation since 2016, has served as a vital safety net for Indian farmers, offering protection against unpredictable weather conditions through crop insurance. To enhance the scheme’s accessibility and efficiency, the Kisan Rakshak Portal and Helpline (KRPH) 14447 have been introduced, providing multilingual support for farmers to communicate transparently and seek real-time assistance on compensation delays, insurance queries, and other grievances. The platform aims to streamline processes, ensuring prompt support for farmers and reinforcing the Government’s commitment to their welfare.

During the launch, Union Minister Shri Arjun Munda expressed India’s dedication to supporting and empowering farmers. He emphasized the government’s continuous efforts to increase farmers’ income and self-sufficiency through various schemes. Shri Munda highlighted the importance of being a partner in empowering farmers both technically and digitally, underlining the significance of the Krishi Rakshak Portal and Helpline, Sandbox Framework, and LMS Platform launched under PMFBY.

The Learning Management System (LMS), developed in collaboration with the National E-Governance Division (NeGD), aims to equip stakeholders, including farmers, insurance companies, government officials, state representatives, and PMFBY participants, with essential skills and knowledge related to crop insurance and agricultural credit. The LMS offers interactive modules, personalized training programs, and accessible resources to enhance stakeholders’ understanding of agricultural practices, crop insurance protocols, and financial mechanisms.

Additionally, the comprehensive digital insurance platform SARTHI, launched in collaboration with UNDP India, extends coverage beyond crop losses to include health, life, home, shop, agriculture implements, motor, and parametric products. SARTHI, accessible via the AIDE app, marks a significant advancement beyond traditional crop insurance, offering a diverse array of products tailored to farmers’ needs. With a vision to safeguard farmers’ livelihoods and fortify the resilience of the agricultural sector, SARTHI empowers farmers to mitigate risks comprehensively.

The launch of LMS, KRPH – 14447, and SARTHI represents a significant milestone in the Ministry of Agriculture’s transformative journey in Indian agriculture. These initiatives, coupled with cutting-edge technologies, underline the Government’s commitment to innovation, resilience, and sustainability in farming. Shri Arjun Munda lauded the Ministry’s organized efforts, focusing on the digital and technological adaptation in agriculture, and expressed satisfaction in witnessing a real transformation in the sector.

These initiatives align with the Government’s vision for a resilient and prosperous agricultural sector, emphasizing innovation, resilience, and sustainability for the welfare of the farming community.