New Delhi, Nov. 4 -- Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has directed a comprehensive investigation into cases of extremely low crop insurance claim payouts under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), following complaints from farmers in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh.

Chairing a high-level review meeting in New Delhi, Chouhan engaged virtually with affected farmers and questioned ministry officials and insurance company representatives over reported instances of claims as low as Rs 1, Rs 3 and Rs 5.

Calling such payouts a mockery of farmers, the minister said the government would not allow discrepancies in the claim-settlement process to continue.

Chouhan cited specific examples from his constituenc...