Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)

The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana is a government-backed crop insurance scheme launched by the Government of India to provide financial protection to farmers against crop loss or damage. Under this scheme, farmers can insure their crops by paying a very low premium and receive compensation in case of loss due to natural calamities, pests, or diseases. With affordable premium rates and wide risk coverage, this scheme ensures financial stability for farmers. Read the complete article to know about the benefits, eligibility, required documents, premium rates, and how to apply under this scheme.

Introduction of Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY): A Brief Insight

The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) is a government-backed crop insurance scheme designed to provide financial protection to farmers against crop loss or damage. Under this scheme, farmers can insure their crops by paying a very low premium and receive compensation in case of loss due to natural calamities, pests, or diseases. It plays a crucial role in securing farmers’ income and reducing financial risks associated with agriculture.

The scheme was launched on 18th February 2016 by the Government of India and is implemented across the country through the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. Since its launch, the scheme has been expanded and strengthened with the use of technology to ensure faster and more accurate claim settlements.

The primary objective of Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana is to provide insurance coverage and financial support to farmers in case of crop failure, stabilise farmers’ income, and encourage the adoption of modern agricultural practices. It also aims to ensure the flow of credit to the agriculture sector by reducing the risk burden on farmers.

The scheme is implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare in coordination with state governments and insurance companies. Advanced technologies such as satellite imagery, remote sensing, and mobile applications are used for crop assessment and claim settlement under the scheme.

Under this scheme, farmers are required to pay a very low premium of 2% for Kharif crops, 1.5% for Rabi crops, and 5% for commercial and horticultural crops, while the remaining premium is shared by the Central and State Governments. The scheme provides coverage against a wide range of risks, including drought, flood, cyclone, pest attacks, and crop diseases, along with post-harvest losses.

All farmers growing notified crops in notified areas are eligible under the scheme, including both loanee and non-loanee farmers. The farmer must have an insurable interest in the crop and a valid bank account to receive claim benefits through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

Farmers can apply for the scheme through the official portal or by visiting their nearest bank, Common Service Centre (CSC), or agriculture office. The application process is simple and must be completed before the cut-off date for the respective crop season.

In case of any assistance, farmers can contact their nearest agriculture office or visit the official PMFBY portal for detailed guidelines and updates related to the scheme.

Farmers who are already receiving financial support under the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Scheme can further secure their crops by enrolling in Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana for complete income protection.

The government is also promoting modern agriculture through initiatives like the Namo Drone Didi Scheme, which supports the use of drones for efficient farming practices.

You can also check the Complete List of Government Schemes in India to explore more such beneficial initiatives for farmers and rural development.

Latest Update on Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (2026)

The Government of India has approved several important updates under Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana to strengthen crop insurance coverage for farmers across the country. In January 2025, the Union Cabinet approved the continuation of the scheme till 2025-26 with a total budget of Rs. 69,515.71 crore. From Kharif 2024, a penalty of 12% per annum is automatically applied if there is any delay in claim payment to farmers. From Kharif 2025, all participating States are required to open an ESCROW account and deposit their premium share in advance to ensure the timely release of claims. Most importantly, from Kharif 2026, Wild Animal Attack and Paddy Inundation have been added as new Add-on Covers under the Localised Risk category, benefiting farmers in forest-adjacent and flood-prone areas across the country.

Benefits Provided to Eligible Beneficiaries

The Government of India under its Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana provides the following benefits to farmers to protect them against crop loss and ensure financial stability :

• The scheme provides financial protection against crop loss due to natural calamities, pests, and diseases.
• Farmers are required to pay a very low premium of only 2% for Kharif crops, 1.5% for Rabi crops, and 5% for commercial and horticultural crops.
• The remaining premium amount is shared by the Central and State Governments, reducing the financial burden on farmers.
• The scheme covers risks such as drought, flood, cyclone, landslide, pest attacks, and crop diseases.
• Post-harvest losses due to unseasonal rains or cyclones are covered for up to 14 days after harvesting.
• Provision of prevented sowing/planting coverage in case farmers are unable to sow due to adverse weather conditions.
• The claim amount is directly transferred to the farmer’s bank account through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
• The scheme promotes the use of modern technology such as satellite imagery and drones, for accurate crop loss assessment.

Risks Covered Under Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana

The Government of India provides comprehensive risk coverage under Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana from the pre-sowing stage to post-harvest. The scheme covers the following categories of risks :

• Yield Losses (Standing Crops): The scheme covers yield losses due to non-preventable natural risks such as drought, flood, inundation, landslide, cyclone, hailstorm, tornado, natural fire and lightning, and attack of pests and diseases.
• Prevented Sowing: If farmers are unable to sow notified crops due to unfavourable weather conditions, they are eligible for indemnity claims of up to 25% of the sum insured.
• Mid-Season Adversity: If crop damage of more than 50% is reported in the insurance unit, farmers receive an on-account payment of up to 25% of the sum insured immediately without waiting for harvest.
• Post-Harvest Losses: The scheme covers post-harvest losses on an individual farm basis for crops kept in cut and spread condition for up to 14 days after harvesting, covering damage due to cyclones, unseasonal rains, and hailstorms.
• Localised Calamities: Individual farm-level losses due to hailstorms, landslides, inundation, cloudburst, and natural fire are covered under this category.
• Wild Animal Attack (New – from Kharif 2026): Crop loss due to attack by wild animals such as elephants, wild boars, nilgai, deer, and monkeys is now covered as the fifth Add-on Cover under the Localised Risk category.
• Paddy Inundation (New – from Kharif 2026): Paddy inundation has been reintroduced as a Localised Calamity Cover, specifically benefiting farmers in coastal and flood-prone states.

The following risks are not covered under the scheme: war and nuclear risks, riots, malicious damage, theft, and losses due to negligence of the farmer.

Eligibility Conditions Required to be Fulfilled

Farmers who wish to avail the benefits under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana must meet the following eligibility conditions prescribed by the Government of India :

• All farmers growing notified crops in the notified areas are eligible under this scheme.
• Loanee farmers (those who have taken crop loans) are automatically covered under the scheme.
• Non-loanee farmers can also apply voluntarily under the scheme.
• The farmer must have an insurable interest in the crop for which insurance is being taken.
• The scheme is applicable to both individual farmers and sharecroppers/tenant farmers as per state government norms.
• The farmer must have a valid bank account to receive claim benefits through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
• The scheme is voluntary for all farmers, including loanee farmers, since the revamp in February 2020.
• The balance premium over and above the farmer’s share is subsidised by the Central and State Governments on a 50:50 basis. For North Eastern States, the sharing ratio is 90:10 (Central: State)

Documents Required to be Attached

Applicants must submit the following documents while applying under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana. All documents should be clearly readable to ensure smooth verification and approval of the application :

• For Loanee Farmers (crop loan borrowers) – enrollment is done automatically by the bank. No separate documents need to be submitted by the farmer. The bank uploads all required data on the National Crop Insurance Portal (NCIP) directly.
• For Non-Loanee Farmers, the following documents are required :
  • Aadhaar Card of the Farmer. (Mandatory – verified automatically on the portal)
  • Bank Account Details. (Passbook copy or cancelled cheque – for DBT claim transfer)
  • Land Records. (Records of Right / Land Possession Certificate / Khasra-Khatauni)
  • Contract or Agreement Details. (In case of sharecroppers or tenant farmers)
  • Sowing Certificate or Crop Declaration Form. (As required by the State Government)
  • Passport-size photograph of the Applicant.
  • Mobile Number linked with Aadhaar.

How Beneficiaries Can Apply to Avail the Benefit of this Scheme

The Government of India has provided both online and offline modes for applying under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana. Farmers can apply online through the official portal at pmfby.gov.in or visit their nearest bank branch, Common Service Centre (CSC), or agriculture office to complete the offline application process.

Step 1 – Visit the official portal or nearest centre: Farmers can open the official PMFBY portal on their mobile or computer, or visit their nearest bank branch, CSC, or agriculture office for offline application.

Step 2 – Fill the application form: Enter all the required details such as the farmer’s name, crop details, land information, sowing details, and bank account information. Make sure that all details are correct and match the supporting documents.

Step 3 – Upload or submit documents: Upload the required documents in online mode or submit photocopies in offline mode, including Aadhaar card, land records, bank details, and crop-related documents.

Step 4 – Pay the premium amount: Pay the applicable premium based on the type of crop (Kharif, Rabi, or commercial crops). The remaining premium is automatically subsidised by the government.

Step 5 – Submit the application: After verifying all details, submit the application form. Upon successful submission, a receipt or acknowledgment number will be generated for future reference.

Farmers must ensure that the application is submitted within the prescribed timeline for each crop season. Late applications may not be accepted under the scheme.

How to Report Crop Loss Under Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana

The Government of India has made it simple for farmers to report crop loss under Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana. Farmers must report any crop loss or damage within 72 hours of the occurrence of the event to remain eligible for claim settlement. Delayed reporting may result in rejection of the claim. Farmers can report crop loss through any of the following channels :

• Through the Crop Insurance App by uploading geotagged photographs of the damaged crop directly from the affected field.
• By calling the dedicated toll-free helpline number 14447 (Krishi Rakshak Portal and Helpline).
• By visiting the nearest Common Service Centre (CSC) or Jan Seva Kendra.
• By contacting the nearest Agriculture Officer of the respective State Government.

After the claim is verified and approved, the Government directly transfers the eligible claim amount to the farmer’s bank account through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). From Kharif 2024 onwards, if there is any delay in claim payment by the insurance company, a penalty of 12% per annum is automatically applied to protect farmers’ interests.

Key Achievements of Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana

Since its launch in 2016, Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana has grown into the largest crop insurance scheme in the world in terms of farmer applications. The scheme has delivered significant financial protection to crores of farmers across the country. The following figures highlight the impact of the scheme as reported by the Government of India :

• A total of 56.96 crore farmer applications have been insured under the scheme since its inception in 2016-17.
• The Government has paid claims worth Rs. 1,54,469 crore to farmers since the scheme began.
• In 2024-25, a record 4.19 crore farmers enrolled under the scheme, the highest enrolment since inception.
• The average sum insured per hectare has increased from Rs. 15,100 under the previous schemes to Rs. 40,700 under PMFBY.
• Non-loanee farmer coverage has reached 55% of total coverage during 2023-24, reflecting the voluntary popularity of the scheme.
• Currently, 23 States and UTs are actively implementing the scheme across the country.

Important Links Available

• Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana Official Portal.
• Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Official Website.
• Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana Guidelines.
• PMFBY Farmer Login and Application Portal.

Contact Details in Case of Help Needed

• For assistance related to Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, farmers can contact their nearest Agriculture Office, bank branch, or Common Service Centre (CSC).
• PMFBY Helpline :-
  • Toll-Free Number :- 14447.
  • WhatsApp Chatbot :- 706551447.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. What is Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana?
Ans. Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana is a government crop insurance scheme that provides financial support to farmers in case of crop loss due to natural calamities, pests, or diseases.

Q. What is the premium amount under PMFBY?
Ans. Farmers need to pay only 2% of the sum insured for Kharif crops, 1.5% for Rabi crops, and 5% for commercial and horticultural crops. The remaining premium is paid by the Government.

Q. Who can apply under this scheme?
Ans. All farmers growing notified crops, including loanee and non-loanee farmers, are eligible to apply under the scheme.

Q. What risks are covered under PMFBY?
Ans. The scheme covers risks such as drought, flood, cyclone, landslide, pest attacks, and crop diseases.

Q. Is post-harvest loss covered under the scheme?
Ans. Yes, post-harvest losses due to unseasonal rains or cyclones are covered for up to 14 days after harvesting.

Q. How is the claim amount paid to farmers?
Ans. The claim amount is directly transferred to the farmer’s bank account through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

Q. Is it mandatory for all farmers to enrol in the scheme?
Ans. No, the scheme is voluntary for all farmers, including loanee farmers, since the revamp in February 2020. However, farmers are strongly encouraged to enrol to protect their crops against natural risks.

Q. How can farmers apply for PMFBY?
Ans. Farmers can apply online through the official PMFBY portal or offline through banks, CSC centres, or agriculture offices.

Q. What documents are required to apply?
Ans. Aadhaar card, land records, bank account details, crop details, and photographs are required for the application.

Q. What happens if a farmer is unable to sow crops?
Ans. The scheme provides coverage for prevented sowing or planting due to adverse weather conditions.

Q. How is crop loss assessed under the scheme?
Ans. Crop loss is assessed through Crop Cutting Experiments (CCE) and modern technology such as satellite and drone-based monitoring.

Q. Is there any deadline for applying under PMFBY?
Ans. Yes, farmers must apply before the cut-off date specified for each crop season, after which applications are not accepted.

Tabassum

Tabassum is a government schemes researcher and writer with 5 years of experience tracking Central and State welfare programmes across India. She has covered 500+ schemes spanning agriculture, women welfare, education, and housing, helping lakhs of beneficiaries understand their entitlements in simple language.