The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) is one of the most important government schemes for Indian farmers. Started by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, it provides financial protection to farmers when their crops fail due to natural disasters, pests, or diseases.
Recently, the central government announced that crop damage caused by animals will also be covered under this scheme — a decision that has brought relief to millions of farmers across the country.
When and Why PMFBY Was Started
The scheme was launched on 18 February 2016 with the aim to reduce the financial risk in farming. India’s agriculture sector depends heavily on the monsoon, and one bad season can ruin the livelihood of a farmer.
PMFBY acts like a crop insurance policy, ensuring that even if a farmer loses his harvest, he will not lose his income. The idea is to make farming less risky and more secure, helping farmers continue agricultural activities without fear.
Main Objectives of PMFBY
The government introduced PMFBY with several goals in mind:
- To help farmers financially when their crops are damaged due to natural causes.
- To stabilize farmers’ income and encourage them to keep farming.
- To promote modern and smart farming techniques by reducing risk.
- To increase agricultural growth and make farmers more confident and creditworthy.
This scheme is a major part of India’s mission to create a self-reliant agricultural system.
Who Can Apply for PMFBY
The scheme is open to all farmers, including sharecroppers and tenant farmers, who grow notified crops in notified areas.
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Compulsory for loanee farmers: Those who have taken crop loans from banks must be covered.
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Optional for non-loanee farmers: Farmers without loans can join voluntarily.
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Farmers must have ownership documents or valid agreements for the land they cultivate.
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Farmers should not have received compensation from another source for the same loss.
The government has also made special efforts to include women, SC, and ST farmers under PMFBY to ensure equality.
Affordable Premium Rates
The biggest advantage of PMFBY is its low premium rate, which makes it affordable for even small farmers.
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For Kharif crops, farmers pay only 2% of the total sum insured.
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For Rabi crops, the premium is just 1.5%.
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For commercial and horticultural crops, it is 5%.
The remaining amount is paid by the government. In hilly regions like Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and North-Eastern states, the government pays the full premium amount.
What PMFBY Covers
PMFBY provides comprehensive coverage for a wide range of losses, including:
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Natural disasters such as droughts, floods, hailstorms, and cyclones.
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Pest attacks and crop diseases.
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Post-harvest losses due to local events like rain, hail, or landslides.
However, damages caused by war, theft, or deliberate destruction are not covered.
Technology Makes PMFBY Smarter
One of the modern features of PMFBY is its use of advanced technology to assess crop damage.
The government uses satellite images, drones, and mobile applications to monitor crop conditions and estimate losses.
The National Crop Insurance Portal (NCIP) makes the process digital and transparent. Tools like YES-TECH and CROPIC help collect real-time photos and data from fields, ensuring faster and more accurate claim settlements.
How PMFBY Helps Farmers
PMFBY has become a lifeline for Indian farmers, especially small and marginal ones. It ensures that farmers get quick compensation within two months of harvest loss, reducing their chances of falling into debt.
This support system gives farmers mental peace, allowing them to focus on better farming methods and productivity.
Conclusion
The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana has truly transformed how India supports its farmers. By offering affordable crop insurance, the scheme protects farmers from natural and financial shocks.
With new updates like the inclusion of animal damage, the government is making sure that no farmer is left behind. PMFBY continues to stand as a strong pillar of India’s agricultural safety and rural stability.
FAQs
What is the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana?
It is a government crop insurance scheme that helps farmers get financial help if their crops are damaged due to natural disasters, pests, or diseases.
Who is eligible for PMFBY?
All farmers, including tenant farmers and sharecroppers, who grow notified crops in notified areas are eligible.
What is the premium rate under PMFBY?
Farmers pay 2% for Kharif crops, 1.5% for Rabi crops, and 5% for commercial or horticultural crops. The rest is paid by the government.
What types of losses are covered under PMFBY?
Losses due to drought, flood, hailstorm, pest attack, and post-harvest damage are covered.
How are crop losses measured under PMFBY?
Modern technology like satellites, drones, and geo-tagged photos are used to estimate crop damage accurately.