Nellore Horticulture Officials Issue El Niño Alert for 16,000 Hectares of Lemon Crops
Authorities in Nellore urge 14,000 lemon growers to enroll in weather-based insurance schemes as El Niño risks loom. The government-backed program offers up to ₹1.20 lakh per hectare in coverage for climate-related yield losses.
Strategic Insurance Push for Nellore Citrus Growers
In response to heightening El Niño threats, the SPSR Nellore district administration is mobilizing a major insurance drive to protect local lemon orchards. District Horticulture Officer M.V. Subbareddy confirmed that the citrus industry forms the backbone of the region's horticulture, with more than 14,000 farmers managing approximately 40,000 acres (16,000 hectares) of lemon trees. The state and federal governments have jointly authorized a weather-based protection plan to mitigate financial risks caused by unpredictable climate shifts.
Coverage Details and Payout Mechanisms
The insurance framework, managed by IFFCO-Tokio General Insurance Company Limited, addresses specific environmental stressors. If orchards suffer damage from excessive heat, erratic rainfall, high wind speeds, or shifting humidity levels, eligible farmers can claim up to ₹1.20 lakh per hectare. Subbareddy noted that the cost of entry is heavily subsidized, requiring growers to pay a premium of only ₹6,000 per hectare, which translates to ₹2,429 per acre.
- Total Insurance Value: ₹1.20 lakh per hectare
- Farmer Premium: ₹6,000 per hectare / ₹2,429 per acre
- Coverage Factors: Rainfall, temperature, wind speed, and humidity
- Deadline: July 31, 2026
Enrollment Protocols for Loanee and Non-Loanee Farmers
While the scheme automatically covers farmers with existing bank loans for their lime crops, the Horticulture Department is specifically advising non-loanee farmers to register voluntarily. To finalize enrollment, growers must visit a village secretariat Digital Assistant or a Common Service Center. Registration requires the submission of primary identification and land records, including:
- Aadhaar cards
- Land or tenant farmer certification
- Crop cultivation certificates
- Banking details for direct settlements
Farmers are required to complete these online payments and retain receipts to secure their standing in the program before the July 31, 2026, cut-off date.
Source: The Hindu — Cities
