Consumer buying behaviour towards crop insurance policies: An empirical study among farmers in Darjeeling

This study investigates consumer purchasing behaviour concerning crop insurance policies among farmers in villages surrounding Darjeeling City. Agriculture is a critical component of the Darjeeling economy, with tea production serving as a significant contributor. Nevertheless, farmers encounter various challenges owing to geographical constraints, climate change, and infrastructure limitations. Crop insurance is essential for mitigating agricultural risks; however, adoption rates remain low because of limited awareness and affordability issues. This study aimed to evaluate farmers’ awareness, perceptions, and satisfaction levels regarding crop insurance schemes. A simple random sampling method was employed to select 50 farmers from eight villages near Darjeeling City, and primary data were collected using structured questionnaires. Data were analysed using frequency tables, percentages, and chi-square tests. The findings indicated that 60% of the respondents were male, 50% were aged between 30-45 years, and 50% had an annual income between Rs. 100,001-200,000. While 40% of the farmers had a high or fair awareness of crop insurance schemes, 20% had very little awareness. The majority (80%) believed that crop insurance reduces financial risks in farming, and 70% were satisfied with the schemes and planned to adopt them significantly in the future. Chi-square tests revealed significant associations between annual income level and awareness, satisfaction, and future adoption of crop insurance schemes. The study concludes that there is a generally positive perception of and high satisfaction with crop insurance among the surveyed farmers. However, gaps in awareness persist, particularly among low-income farmers. Targeted efforts to increase awareness and tailor insurance products to the unique needs of the Darjeeling's farming community are essential for improving adoption rates and realizing the full potential of crop insurance as a risk-management tool in the region.