expenditures reached $207 million compared to an average of $166 million over the three previous years (AAFC 1997b). Provincial governments spent $251 million in 1996-97 which compares to an average of $175 million over the previous three crop years. By far the largest component of the program covers grain and oilseed production on the Prairies, but even here participation has fallen below 60% of seeded area. India In India a multiperil crop insurance called National Agriculture Insurance Scheme (NAIS) was implemented. This scheme is being implemented by Agriculture Insurance Company of India, an Indian government owned company. The scheme is compulsory for all farmers who take agricultural loans from any financial institution. It is voluntary for all other farmers. The premium is subsidized for farmers who own less than two hectares of land. This insurance follows the area approach. This means that instead of individual farmers, a specific area is insured. The area may vary from gram panchayat (an administrative unit containing 8–10 villages) or block or district from crop to crop or state to state. The claim is calculated on the basis of crop cutting experiments carried out by agricultural departments of respective states. Any shortfall in yield compared to the prior five years' average yield is compensated. When it comes to India, there are three major crop insurance schemes that a farmer should consider buying. They are as follows: National Agricultural Insurance Scheme (NAIS) Modified National Agriculture Insurance Scheme (MNAIS) Weather Based Crop Insurance (WBCI) See also Buy-up coverage Index-based insurance Insurance Group Risk Protection Hail cannon Weather insurance References Agricultural insurance Crops Agricultural economics