After the discussions held at the District Administration Office on Sunday between apple farmers, insurance companies, and local administration failed to reach any conclusion, the farmers became angry and went to lock the insurance company.
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Apple farmers in Jumla have locked the office of Shikhar Insurance Company for the second time after it started delaying payment.
After the discussion between apple farmers, insurance companies, and local administration held at the District Administration Office on Sunday failed to reach any conclusion, the farmers got angry and went to lock the insurance company. Apple farmers from seven rural municipalities, including Chandannath Municipality, accused the insurance company of cheating them. 'We have repeatedly complained about the insurance amount of apples, both in writing and orally,' said Raj Bahadur Rokaya of Tatopani-6. 'We approached the local administration after receiving no response.'
The apple crop was destroyed due to natural disasters and drought. The farmers had submitted their claims for the insurance amount as per the rules. But the company could not show a clear report on the weather report. 'The local level did not visit the field even though there was a drought,' said Rokaya. 'The problem arose because they were stingy in disclosing the basis, the decision of which committee, on which basis the payment was determined.'
The farmers have now demanded that the relevant digital weather report be provided and that the farmers should visit the apple orchards. They have said that the insurance policy they had earlier and the one they are showing now are also different.
Tatopani Rural Municipality Chairman Nanda Prasad Chaulagain urged the farmers to immediately provide the insurance amount claimed by them. He warned that if the farmers' rights are still being restricted, they will immediately go to the authorities.
A total of 5,379 people had taken out apple insurance. So far, only 655 people have received the amount for the damage. The process for 947 people has been completed and preparations are underway to provide it. The payment has been delayed due to the lack of signatures of 294 farmers.
