Description
Tarsim is an online application portal supporting the state-subsidized provision of insurance to farmers against natural disasters and other risks. The online portal can be accessed by all farmers and growers in Türkiye, who can make use of the available insurance packages. The portal is free to use after the user creates an account, and provides access to information about the different types of insurance available. In addition to the web platform, there is also Tarsim Mobil, a mobile application designed to make agricultural insurance easier to manage. It is used to reach agricultural insurance applications via smartphones and tablets, independent of location and time, and to ensure sustainability in communication with stakeholders. Tarsim Mobil is an application developed within TARSIM (Agricultural Insurance Pool) and addresses the longstanding issue of low agricultural insurance coverage by fostering a public-private partnership. While TARSIM standardizes insurance contracts, centralizes loss adjustment activities, and efficiently utilizes government subsidies, the application aims to support farmers in accessing these proposed services through the use of internet, by incorporating a web-based system for seamless operations, SMS and mobile apps for policy issuance, and employs remote sensing, GIS, and big data for risk assessment.
Technology
The Tarsim online application can be accessed from any device with an Internet connection, and is available in Turkish and English. Particularly, the Agricultural Insurance Pool (TARSİM) has introduced the TARSİM Mobile application, a user-friendly platform accessible via smartphones and tablets, aimed at enhancing communication with stakeholders and providing convenient access to agricultural insurance-related services regardless of time and location. The app has a simple design, making it easy to navigate, and includes a unique feature that uses cartoon characters to explain insurance policies. It's free to download from app stores and offers improved performance and security. The TARSİM Mobile application introduces a first-of-its-kind feature in the Turkish insurance industry with the Voice Policy Application. Insured producers can scan the QR code on their policies, and the application will read the policy audio and video through a character in a cartoon world, utilizing augmented reality technology for effortless policy information access. The App utilizes remote sensing technology for precise risk assessment in agricultural insurance, employing satellite imagery and aerial observations. It proactively analyzes various natural hazards, including storms, floods, hail, whirlwinds, fires, earthquakes, landslides, and frost, across different regions in Turkey. This approach allows for real-time monitoring and accurate identification of losses associated with plated, modern bee hives and other registered agricultural assets. The integration of remote sensing enhances overall efficiency and reliability in assessing risks, contributing to a nuanced understanding of regional variations
Target
The main users of Tarsim are farmers seeking agricultural insurance in Türkiye. TARSIM Mobile application caters to a diverse user base, encompassing smallholder farmers, medium and large farms, the public sector, insurance companies, and agricultural advisors. The App has been installed over 56 000 times.
Business model
It is freely accessible through the website. The TARSIM Mobile application business model involves government support and farmer payments to provide accessible insurance. The government subsidizes 50% of the premium, while farmers pay the remaining 50% in advance or in installments. The total risk is managed by the Agricultural Insurance Pool (TARSIM), a public-private partnership. Government support includes Catastrophe Stop Loss protection if reinsurance is insufficient. This serves as a safety net in case the reinsurance cover is deemed insufficient to handle catastrophic losses. Estimated premium calculations can be made on the www.tarsim.gov.tr website, from the "Online Premium Calculation" menu. The TARSİM Mobile application is available for free download from both the Google Play Store and the App Store.
Impact
Tarsim, according to the website, provides access to knowledge and agricultural insurance, cutting out the fees associated with intermediaries. The TARSIM Mobile application supported by the government, aims at offering affordable insurance to farmers, trying to protect them from financial losses caused by unpredictable events. The rise in premiums and coverage indicates increasing farmer adoption. The collaboration between the government and insurance companies fosters a robust and sustainable system. A 17 percent yearly increase in insured farmers reflects growing trust and participation. The use of GIS and remote sensing enhances data-driven decisions, improving overall efficiency. Tarsim Mobile aims at simplifying the lives of stakeholders by providing a comprehensive and accessible platform for managing agricultural insurance-related tasks and accessing relevant information with ease.
Partners
Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Republic of Türkiye
Four Betters
Better life
