Launched on 18th February 2016, Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) is a crop insurance scheme by the Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers’ Welfare, Ministry of Agriculture. It provides financial protection to farmers against crop loss due to natural disasters (such as drought, flood, hail, and famine), pests, and diseases. PMFBY offers insurance coverage at a cost-effective premium to all Indian farmers and is implemented through a network of insurance companies and banks. The scheme covers over 50 crore farmers and more than 50 different crops.
Objectives
• Financial Protection: To provide financial assistance to farmers suffering crop damage due to unforeseen events.
• Income Stabilisation: To stabilise farmers’ incomes and ensure continuity in farming.
• Modernisation: To encourage the adoption of modern and innovative agricultural practices.
• Growth & Diversification: To promote crop diversification, enhance credit-worthiness, and protect farmers from production risks.
Benefits
• Affordable Premiums:
• Kharif food and oilseed crops: Maximum 2% premium.
• Rabi food and oilseed crops: 1.5% premium.
• Yearly commercial/horticultural crops: 5% premium.
• For farmers in North-Eastern States, Jammu, Kashmir, and Himachal Pradesh, the entire premium is paid by the government.
• Comprehensive Coverage:
• Coverage includes losses due to natural disasters, pests, and diseases, as well as post-harvest losses from local risks like hailstorms and landslides.
• Timely Compensation: Aims to process claims within two months of harvest to ensure swift compensation and avoid debt traps.
• Technology Integration: Uses satellite imaging, drones, and mobile apps for precise crop loss estimation and accurate claim settlements.
Risks Covered
• Yield Losses (Standing Crops): Coverage for losses due to natural fire, lightning, storms, hailstorms, tornadoes, floods, inundation, landslides, pests/diseases, drought, etc.
• Prevented Sowing: Indemnity claims up to 25% of the sum insured if farmers are unable to sow due to unfavorable conditions.
• Post-harvest Losses: Coverage for crops stored in “cut and spread” condition for up to 14 days post-harvest.
• Localised Calamities: Coverage for losses from localized hazards like hailstorms, landslides, and inundation impacting separated farmlands.
Eligibility
• All farmers, including tenant farmers and sharecroppers, cultivating notified crops in notified areas.
• Farmers must have an insurable interest in the insured crops.
• Possession of a valid land ownership certificate or land tenure agreement is required.
• Farmers must be cultivators or sharecroppers on the insured land and apply within the prescribed timeframe (usually within 2 weeks of sowing).
• Farmers must not have received compensation for the same crop loss from any other source.
Exclusions
• Non-Notified Areas: Crop losses in areas not designated under PMFBY are not covered.
• Losses Outside the Crop Cycle: Losses not directly related to the growing season.
• Negligence/Non-Compliance: Losses resulting from farmer negligence or failure to follow recommended practices.
• Non-Premium Payment: Farmers who fail to pay the required premium contributions.
Application Process
Online – Via CSCs
• Step 01: Visit the official PMFBY website and click on “Farmer Corner”.
• Step 02: In the popup, select “Guest Farmer” to access the Online Registration Form (skip if already registered).
• Step 03: Fill in mandatory details in the registration form under sections: Farmer Details, Residential Details, Farmer ID, and Account Details; complete the captcha and click “Create User”.
• Step 04: Log in via “Farmer Corner (Apply for Crop Insurance Yourself)” at https://pmfby.gov.in/farmerLogin.
• Step 05: Provide your mobile number, complete the OTP verification, and fill in the Farmer Application Form by uploading all mandatory documents.
• Step 06: Preview and submit your application; choose “Pay Later” or “Make Payment” for the premium.
• Step 07: Print the receipt upon successful payment.
• Tracking: Check your application status via the “Application Status” option on the PMFBY website.
Documents Required
• Passport-size Photograph
• Passbook
• Identity Proof (Aadhaar, PAN, Voter ID, etc.)
• Address Proof (Aadhaar, PAN, Voter ID, Electricity Bill, etc.)
• Evidence of Land Records (RoR, Land Possession Certificate, etc.)
• Declaration regarding the crop sown/intended to be sown
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: I’m a tenant farmer without formal land documents. Can I still apply?
A: Yes, if you can prove that you cultivate the land, you may be eligible. Check with local authorities for accepted documents.
Q: Does PMFBY cover post-harvest losses?
A: Yes, it covers post-harvest losses for crops stored in “cut and spread” condition for up to 14 days.
Q: What is the premium rate for Kharif paddy?
A: The maximum premium for Kharif food and oilseed crops is 2% of the sum insured; the government subsidizes the remaining amount.
Q: If a drought prevents me from sowing, what compensation can I claim?
A: Farmers may claim up to 25% of the sum insured for prevented sowing in notified areas.
Q: Do I need to pay any premium if I farm in North-Eastern States?
A: No, in North-Eastern States, Jammu, Kashmir, and Himachal Pradesh, the government pays the entire premium.
Q: Can I claim compensation if my village experiences localized damage?
A: Yes, losses from localized calamities such as hailstorms or landslides affecting individual farms are covered.
Q: How soon will I receive my claim?
A: Claims are typically processed within two months of harvest.
Q: If I’ve taken a bank loan for farming, do I need to apply separately for PMFBY?
A: Yes, farmers must apply separately through the PMFBY portal.
Q: What if I face technical issues while paying the premium online on the last date?
A: In case of technical issues, contact the PMFBY helpdesk immediately; guidelines for such cases are provided on the website.
Q: If I registered last season, do I need to create a new registration for this season?
A: No, you can use your existing registration unless instructed otherwise.
Q: Will claims be rejected if I fail to document pest damage immediately?
A: Timely documentation is crucial; if delayed due to unavoidable circumstances (like hospitalization), contact the scheme office for guidance.
Q: How can I ensure my claim is not rejected due to errors in the application?
A: Ensure that the CSC operator fills the form accurately and review all details before submission.
Q: What is the grievance process if I’m unsatisfied with the crop loss assessment?
A: You can file a grievance with the PMFBY grievance redressal mechanism as detailed on the official website.
Q: Does PMFBY cover damage from wild animals or fires in neighboring fields?
A: Damage from wild animals or external fires is generally not covered; refer to the detailed policy exclusions for specifics.