Risk insulation in mango production: Some suggestions for policy

Mango production suffers from different biotic and abiotic stresses arising due to on-going weather dynamics therefore is becoming a highly risky proposition for the orchardists. The weather based crop insurance (WBCI) for mango has emerged as a tool to mitigate the hardships of the orchardists. However, there are few takers for the product due to lack of infrastructure, awareness and willingness on the part of orchardists. Automatic weather stations are required to be established for effective implementation of WBCl. Similarly, the correlations are to be worked out between different weather parameters and the crop loss in mango based on reasonably large length of historical time series, for greater accuracy in working out the thresholds. In order to insulate the farmers against damages by pests and diseases, the insurance cover on the line of medical insurance for human and livestock could be suggested. The creation of Price Stabilization Fund (PSF). with equal partnerships of Central and State Governments, could ensure rational prices of the mango fruits in markets for the orchardists so as to enable them to earn reasonable incomes for sustainable livelihoods. Similarly, concept of socia] security cover in vogue in the developed countries could be mooted for the mango orchardists as well.