Satellite data-based crop insurance offers hope for Bihar's flood-stricken farmers

Source(s): Economic Times, the

MUZAFFARPUR - In a first-of-its-kind initiative in flood-prone Bihar, the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) is helping flood-affected farmers with Index-Based Flood Insurance (IBFI). It uses an advanced modelling technique with satellite data to enable quick insurance pay-outs to those affected.

"We are trying to help flood-affected farmers in some villages in Muzaffarpur with IBFI -- for the first time not only in Bihar but in the country. Never before has satellite data been used for providing insurance to flood-affected farmers" Alok K. Sikka, India representative of the Colombo-based IWMI, said.

Sikka said that more than 200 farming households in villages under Gaighat block had signed up for a pilot IBFI scheme in July. These farmers, mostly marginals, are likely to get the insurance money either by October-end or early November for the damage caused to their crops.

"We are experimenting with IBFI to show that it is a more reliable and credible way to safeguard rural livelihoods," Sikka added.

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