Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)

Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) is the government's crop insurance scheme that protects farmers from financial losses caused by natural disasters like floods, drought, hailstorms, cyclones, and pest attacks. Launched in 2016, it replaced earlier crop insurance schemes with better coverage, lower premiums, and faster claims. Farmers pay only 2% of the sum insured for Kharif crops (like paddy and maize), 1.5% for Rabi crops (like wheat and mustard), and 5% for annual horticultural crops. The rest of the premium is paid equally by the Central and State governments. PMFBY ensures that even a complete crop failure does not push a farmer into debt.

PMFBY covers every stage of the crop cycle. If unseasonal rains prevent sowing, you can claim for prevented sowing. If floods or drought damage standing crops mid-season, you are covered. If harvested crops left in the field are damaged by rain or hailstorm within 14 days of harvesting, that loss is also covered. The sum insured is based on the scale of finance (crop loan amount) fixed by the district-level committee. For loanee farmers, the premium is automatically deducted from the crop loan. For non-loanee farmers, you pay directly to the bank or through the PMFBY portal. Claims are assessed by designated insurance companies using drone surveys and field visits.

All farmers growing notified crops in notified areas are eligible. This includes tenant farmers and sharecroppers — not just landowners. For loanee farmers who take Kisan Credit Card (KCC) loans, enrollment is automatic unless they opt out. Non-loanee farmers can voluntarily enroll by visiting their nearest bank or Common Service Centre before the enrollment deadline for each crop season.

The main documents needed are your Aadhaar Card for identity, Land Records (Khasra number and Khatauni) to prove you are cultivating the land, Bank Account details for claim transfer, and a Sowing Certificate from the local Patwari confirming you have sown the notified crop. For tenant farmers, a written agreement with the landowner is also required.

• Aadhaar Card
• Land Records (Khasra/Khatauni)
• Bank Account Details
• Sowing Certificate from Patwari

Step 1: Visit your nearest bank branch, Primary Agricultural Credit Society (PACS), or Common Service Centre (CSC) before the enrollment cutoff date. Step 2: Fill the PMFBY application form with your land details, crop name, and sown area. Step 3: Submit required documents and pay the farmer-share premium. Step 4: You receive an insurance policy receipt with a unique policy number. Step 5: In case of crop loss, immediately inform the insurance company, bank, or state government helpline within 72 hours of the event. Step 6: A field inspection is conducted and the claim amount is directly transferred to your bank account.

For Kharif crops: enrollment deadline is typically July 31 each year. For Rabi crops: enrollment deadline is December 31. Check your state's agriculture department website for exact cutoff dates as they vary by state and crop.

The most critical mistake farmers make is not reporting crop loss within 72 hours of the calamity — this disqualifies the claim entirely. Another mistake is not enrolling before the cutoff date. Non-loanee farmers often miss the deadline because they assume the scheme is only for bank loan holders. Also, incorrect land records or wrong crop declaration leads to claim rejection.