Group insurance plan for farmers
TUMPAT: The Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry Ministry plans to introduce group insurance for farmers to help them overcome losses during the flood season.
Ministry’s secretary-general Datuk Mohd Sallehhuddin Hassan said the matter had to be discussed before it could be presented in Parliament next year.
He said group insurance was being considered as many farmers did not have an insurance policy, adding that they experienced losses due to natural disasters almost every year.
“Before this, the ministry would set up disaster funds to help farmers who suffered losses. However, such funds are limited.
“Hopefully, with group insurance, it will be easier for farmers to overcome their losses.
“We are evaluating suitable methods for the insurance and have received suggestions from many quarters.
“We will study the matter so that there will not be problems for the farmers or the government. God willing, we will finalise this and take it to the cabinet for a decision by next year.”
Sallehhuddin said this after launching the Young Agropreneur Workshop for Tumpat District here yesterday.
On the programme, he said the ministry had targeted 1,000 participants for the programme.
“This is an initiative by the government to encourage youth to be involved in the agriculture sector.
“Only 30 per cent of young people are involved in the agriculture sector and we want the number to increase. Those who believe they are capable can apply for the Youth Agropreneur aid,” he said.