Bayer has partnered with United India Insurance to introduce Alivio, a new digital crop insurance service. This innovative solution uses satellite technology and advanced computer models to protect crops like corn and potatoes. Unlike older insurance plans, Alivio offers protection based on specific field conditions and crop growth stages.
Alivio, meaning “relief” in Spanish, is designed to help farmers manage risks better. It also provides them with useful information about their fields. This service is delivered through a mobile app. When certain field conditions that affect crop growth are met, farmers can receive benefits instantly. They can claim these benefits at local Bayer shops. This allows them to quickly buy essential items like seeds and crop protection products, preventing delays in their farming work.
The Alivio system identifies and addresses the specific risks farmers worry about in their area. For example, it can provide support during long dry periods when plants are flowering, or during heatwaves when crops are developing grains. By tailoring the coverage to these local and stage-specific risks, Alivio ensures that the help farmers receive is truly useful and relevant to their problems.
The initial rollout of Alivio will focus on farmers growing rainfed corn in Davanagere, Karnataka, and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra. These regions have often experienced dry spells that have damaged crop yields in the past. Alivio will monitor the soil moisture levels in these fields. If the corn crop lacks enough water during important growth periods, the system will activate insurance benefits. Farmers will receive these benefits through their Alivio app. They can then use them at their nearest Bayer partner store.
In addition to insurance, farmers will get other helpful data. This includes forecasts for soil moisture, advice on when to spray crops, and tips for checking crop health, all tailored to their specific fields. These insights are based on data analysis.
Simon Wiebusch, Country Divisional Head of Bayer’s Crop Science Division in India, Bangladesh & Sri Lanka, stated, “Alivio shows Bayer’s dedication to giving digital tools to those who need them most. By combining farming knowledge with simple technology and strong local connections, we are helping small farmers turn uncertainty into smart decisions. This makes them more resilient and their farming more practical.”
Sanjay Radhakrishnan, CEO of Edme Insurance Brokers Ltd, added, “For a long time, crop insurance has left farmers facing uncertainty alone. With this launch, we are putting farmers at the forefront of innovation. By using satellite data, field-level insights, protection matched to crop stages, and working with others, we are providing solutions that truly meet farmers’ needs. We are proud to work with Bayer and United India Insurance to bring about the changes the agri-insurance sector needs.”
Bayer plans to expand Alivio to cover other crops in the coming months. These include onions, chillies, potatoes, grapes, tomatoes, and some fruit crops. The service will also become available in more areas across India. This effort is part of Bayer’s global goal to help 100 million smallholder farmers by 2030. Digital innovations are key to increasing their productivity, resilience, and sustainable farming practices.