Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana

The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) is a flagship agricultural insurance scheme launched by the Government of India to provide financial security to farmers by offering coverage against crop loss due to natural calamities, pests, and diseases. Here’s an in-depth overview of PMFBY:

Main features of Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)

1. Comprehensive Risk Coverage
   • Covers various types of risks like drought, floods, hailstorms, landslides, pests, and diseases.
   • Includes coverage during the entire cropping cycle – from pre-sowing to post-harvest losses.
2. Low Premium Rates
   • Kharif Crops: Farmers pay a premium of only 2% of the insured sum.
   • Rabi Crops: Farmers pay only 1.5% of the insured sum.
   • Commercial/Horticultural Crops: The premium is 5% of the sum insured.
   • the central and state governments Shared  remaining premium   
3. No Capping on Sum Insured
   • Unlike previous schemes, PMFBY does not have a cap on the insured amount, ensuring farmers receive full protection based on the market value of the crops.
4. Widespread Coverage
   • The scheme is applicable across India and covers both food crops and commercial crops, including cereals, pulses, oilseeds, and horticultural crops.
5. Use of Technology
   • Advanced technology like smartphones and GPS is used for faster and more accurate crop loss assessments.
   • Satellite data, remote sensing, and drones are employed for monitoring crop conditions and losses.

Eligibility Criteria for PMFBY

• Farmers: All farmers growing notified crops in notified areas are eligible for the scheme.
• Tenant Farmers and Sharecroppers: They can also avail insurance benefits under PMFBY, provided they possess proper documentation proving tenancy.

How to Apply for PMFBY

1. Online Application: Farmers can register through the official website or mobile app.
   • Official website: PMFBY
   • Mobile app: PMFBY App available on Google Play Store.
2. Offline Registration: Farmers can apply through:
   • Common Service Centres (CSCs)
   • Nearest bank branches
   • Insurance companies authorized to implement the scheme

Documents Required for PMFBY Registration

• Aadhaar Card
• Land ownership records or tenancy agreements
• Bank account details
• Crop sowing proof

Claim Process Under PMFBY

1. Report Crop Damage: Farmers must inform the authorities about crop damage within 72 hours of the incident.
2. Field Verification: Local officials conduct field surveys using technology to assess the damage.
3. Claim Disbursement: Once the damage is confirmed, the claim amount is transferred directly to the farmer’s bank account.

Benefits of PMFBY

• Financial Support: Provides timely financial aid to farmers in case of crop failure.
• Encourages Innovation: Helps farmers adopt modern agricultural practices without fear of financial loss.
• Ensures Stability: Reduces dependency on high-interest loans and informal credit by providing insurance coverage.

Challenges and Reforms in PMFBY

• Delayed Claim Settlement: One of the major concerns has been the delay in settling insurance claims.
• Voluntary Enrollment: The scheme has now been made voluntary for farmers, allowing them the freedom to choose.
• Technology Integration: To counter delays and ensure transparency, there’s a push towards greater use of satellite imagery, drones, and AI for quicker damage assessment.

FAQs on PMFBY

1. What is the premium amount farmers need to pay?
   • Farmers pay 2% for Kharif crops, 1.5% for Rabi crops, and 5% for commercial/horticultural crops, with the rest subsidized by the government.
2. Which crops are covered under PMFBY?
   • The scheme covers food crops (cereals, pulses), oilseeds, and commercial/horticultural crops.
3. How can farmers apply for PMFBY?
   • Farmers can apply online through the PMFBY website, mobile app, or offline via Common Service Centres (CSCs) or authorized banks.
4. What is the claim process for crop loss?
   • Farmers must report crop damage within 72 hours, after which an assessment is made, and the claim is settled based on the findings.
5. Is PMFBY mandatory?
   • No, the scheme has been made voluntary for farmers as of recent reforms.

The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) aims to reduce the risk faced by farmers and promote sustainable farming practices across the country.

Hope this information will help you in correct understanding about Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana. If you have any other questions, feel free!

Apart from Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, many other schemes are also available. Some of the major ones are: You can also see these which will give you some information¹

1. Mazi ladki bahin yojana 2024 online apply
2. Rojgar Sangam Yojana Form
3. प्रधानमंत्री आवास योजना लिस्ट

1. ↩︎