Sikkim MP urges Centre to cover wildlife crop damage under PMFBY

GANGTOK, : Sikkim Lok Sabha MP Indra Hang Subba on Wednesday met Ram Nath Thakur, the Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, at his office in Krishi Bhawan in New Delhi. He submitted a formal representation requesting the inclusion of crop damages caused by wild animals under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), a press release informs.

In the representation, the Lok Sabha MP highlighted the persistent issue of crop losses faced by farmers in hilly and forest-adjacent regions such as Sikkim due to frequent raids by wild animals like wild boars, monkeys, and deer. He noted that while PMFBY provides coverage for various natural calamities and non-preventable risks, damages caused by wild animals remain unaddressed, leaving affected farmers without any financial protection.

“This recurring threat has not only caused significant crop losses but has also demoralized farmers, leading to reduced cultivation and underutilization of arable land in some regions,” Indra Hang said in his submission.

He urged the Ministry to consider wild animal intrusion as a valid risk under PMFBY, pointing out that such an inclusion would directly benefit farmers while also advancing the Prime Minister’s vision of doubling farmers’ income and ensuring sustainable agriculture in vulnerable areas.

Indra Hang also proposed the possibility of initiating a pilot scheme in high-risk districts, in collaboration with Forest department and local panchayats, to assess feasibility and develop effective implementation models.

The representation reflects the voice of countless farmers across Sikkim and other affected States who continue to suffer due to the lack of financial coverage for such damages, the release mentions.