(a) the details of the Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme (WBCIS) including its rationale, coverage area target output and specificities;  (b) the details of funds released under the scheme during each of the last three years and the current year, State-wise;  (c) whether the Government proposes to extend the coverage area under the scheme in the country;  (d) if so, the details thereof; and  (e) if not, the reasons therefor? ANSWER MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (PROF. K.V. THOMAS)  (a): Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme (WBCIS) was notified for implementation on pilot basis in 20 States in the country from Kharif 2007. It provides insurance protection to the farmers against adverse weather incidence, such as deficit/excess rainfall, unseasonal rainfall, low/high temperature, frost, relative humidity etc. which are deemed to impact adversely the crop production. It has the advantages to minimize moral hazards; lowering of administrative costs; speedy settlement of claims etc. All farmers both, loanee and non-loanee in the notified area/crop are eligible for coverage under the pilot. However, insurance is compulsory for loanee and optional for non-loanee farmers. Number of States who opted for the scheme has risen from 1 in Kharif 2007 to 16 in Kharif 2010 season.  (b): State-wise & season-wise funds provided by Government of India under WBCIS during last three years and current year is annexed.  (c) to (e): Decision for implementation of WBCIS as full fledged scheme after the 11th Five Year Plan depends on the evaluation of the scheme.