Association calls for life insurance, pension scheme for farmers, farm labourers - The HinduUpdated - November 07, 2026 05:13 pm IST - TIRUCHIThe Tamil Nadu Cauvery Farmers Protection Association has urged the Centre to introduce a separate life insurance scheme for farmers and farm labourers in view of the occupational hazards faced by them.“Farmers and agricultural labourers engaged in agricultural work face loss of life or permanent disability due to various natural hazards including extreme weather conditions and attacks by wild animals and snake bites. They are also frequently involved in accidents, including those involving agricultural machinery, besides lightning strikes, electric shocks, etc. Hence, a new scheme called the Prime Minister’s Farmers’ Life Insurance Scheme should be introduced on the lines of a medical insurance scheme to protect farmers and agricultural labourers affected by these permanent disability,” said Swamimalai Sundara Vimalnathan, secretary of the association, said in a representation addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.Calling for introduction of the scheme in the forthcoming budget of the Union government, Mr. Vimalnathan said adequate funds should be allocated for the scheme under disaster management agencies or the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. Further, a member of the family of the victims should be provided government employment depending on their qualifications.The government must also introduce a pension scheme with sufficient funds to provide monthly pension of ₹5,000 to farmers and agricultural labourers above the age of 58. “Even during COVID-19 lockdown, farmers continued to work tirelessly and helped ensure that India did not face food shortage. Farmers and agricultural labourers devote their entire lives to producing food, working continuously under scorching heat, severe cold and heavy rainfall,” Mr. Vimalnathan said, pressing for extending financial support when they grow old after years of strenuous labour.Reiterating his demand for a separate agriculture budget by the Centre, Mr. Vimalnathan said the agriculture sector should receive priority in financial allocation on a par with defence.He demanded that farmers representatives from Tamil Nadu be invited to participate in pre-budget consultations of the Union Finance Ministry.Published - November 07, 2026 05:10 pm ISTSign in to unlock member-only benefits!Access 10 free stories every monthSave stories to read laterAccess to comment on every storySign-up/manage your newsletter subscriptions with a single clickGet notified by email for early access to discounts & offers on our products${ ind + 1 } ${ device }Last active - ${ la }