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Chennai, Nov 11 (IANS) Farmers in Ramanathapuram and Madurai districts have urged the state government and the Center to extend the crop insurance registration deadline beyond November 15, citing rising enrollments in recent years and persistent losses due to erratic weather conditions. Officials said 1,04,843 hectares of land has so far been covered under samba paddy cultivation in Ramanathapuram district, of which 36,889 hectares have been registered for insurance this year – a significant jump from 11,660 hectares during the same period last year. In Madurai, 6,524 hectares of samba crop area has been addressed, of which 410 hectares have been insured this year, while only 70 hectares were insured last year. According to farmers, the increase in enrollment reflects growing awareness about the importance of insurance after repeated crop failures due to floods, droughts and pest infestations. A farmer from Ramanathapuram district said, “Many are still in the process of applying. Since we have faced continuous losses in the last few years, farmers have now realized the need for insurance protection. The government should extend the deadline by a few more days.” However, farmer representatives have raised concerns over unresolved issues in the assessment and compensation process. A senior member of the association said many farmers in Kamuthi, who suffered obvious losses last year, were denied compensation due to procedural lapses. “It is essential that the authorities streamline the assessment and ensure timely and fair distribution of compensation,” the representative said. In Madurai, the increase in enrollment has been attributed to past experiences of pest attacks and crop losses. Of a farmer of the area. “Last season’s failures have taught us a lesson. This year, farmers are giving priority to insurance as a form of protection,” Karuppanan said. Agriculture department officials confirmed that there has been a significant increase in registration compared to last year, although limited awareness in some areas remains a hindrance. “Many farmers are still unaware of the benefits. We are planning to organize outreach programs to boost participation before the deadline,” said a senior official. With the November 15 deadline fast approaching, farmer unions have reiterated their plea for a brief extension, hoping more farmers can secure their livelihoods through insurance coverage this samba season. –IANS AL/DPB