Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana:- The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) is a significant initiative launched by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, targeting the welfare of farmers across India. This scheme primarily focuses on providing financial relief to farmers who suffer losses due to natural calamities. It offers compensation to the farmers for their damaged crops, ensuring that they are protected against the unpredictable challenges of farming, such as floods, droughts, and other natural disasters.
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Key Objectives of Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana
The primary goal of the PMFBY is to offer financial support to farmers in the case of crop failure due to natural calamities. The scheme is designed to mitigate the financial risks associated with agriculture, providing farmers with the confidence to continue their farming practices even in adverse conditions. By offering a financial safety net, the government ensures that farmers are not forced into debt due to crop failure and can maintain their livelihoods.

Coverage Under PMFBY
The PMFBY covers losses caused by a range of natural disasters, including:
- Fire and Lightning
- Hailstorms and Cyclones
- Flooding and Waterlogging
- Droughts
- Landslides
- Pest attacks and diseases
By providing such comprehensive coverage, the PMFBY helps farmers recover from substantial losses, ensuring that their agricultural activities can continue without major disruptions.
Financial Compensation Provided
Under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, farmers can receive compensation of up to ₹2,00,000, depending on the extent of the damage to their crops. As of now, the scheme has covered around 36 crore farmers and disbursed approximately ₹2 lakh crore directly to the affected farmers’ bank accounts.
This scheme aims to safeguard farmers from economic distress due to crop failures and offers timely relief to ensure that they can sustain their agricultural operations.
Eligibility Criteria for PMFBY
To be eligible for the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, farmers must meet certain conditions:
- Citizenship: Applicants must be Indian citizens.
- Crop Loss: Farmers whose crops (both Kharif and Rabi) have suffered damage exceeding 50% due to natural disasters are eligible for compensation.
- Pre-Harvest Damage: If a crop is damaged 15 days before harvest, the farmer is still eligible to receive compensation.
- Ownership of Land: Farmers applying for the scheme must have valid documentation proving ownership of the land on which the crops were grown.
By meeting these criteria, farmers can avail themselves of the benefits offered under the PMFBY, ensuring they are covered in the event of crop loss.
Required Documents for Applying
To apply for the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, farmers need to submit the following documents:
- Aadhaar Card
- Voter ID or Ration Card
- Driving License (if applicable)
- Land Records
- Bank Account Details (linked with Aadhaar)
- Recent Passport-sized Photograph
- Mobile Number
Having these documents ensures a smooth application process and enables the farmer to access the financial assistance available under the scheme.
How to Apply for Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)
Online Application Process
Farmers can easily apply for the PMFBY through an online portal. Here is a step-by-step guide:
- Visit the official PMFBY website.
- Click on the “Farmer Corner” on the homepage.
- Select the “Guest Farmer” option.
- Fill in the required details such as the farmer’s address, ID card number, and bank details.
- Once the form is completed, click on “Create User.”
- After creating an account, log in using your credentials.
- Enter the captcha code and mobile number, following which an OTP will be sent to your registered mobile number.
- Submit the OTP to log in and fill out the insurance application form.
- Attach the required documents and submit the application form.
Offline Application Process
Farmers who do not have access to online services can apply for the PMFBY through an offline method:
- Visit the nearest bank or designated office.
- Collect the PMFBY application form.
- Fill in all the necessary details and attach the required documents.
- Submit the completed form to the bank officials.
- After submission, the bank will provide a receipt, which should be retained for future correspondence.
Benefits of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana
The PMFBY offers several significant advantages to farmers:
- Minimal Premium: Farmers need to pay a nominal premium for the insurance coverage under the scheme. The central government bears the majority of the cost, making it highly affordable.
- Protection Against Crop Loss: The scheme covers all major crops grown in the country, providing comprehensive protection against losses caused by various natural calamities.
- Financial Stability: In case of a disaster, farmers receive timely compensation, ensuring they remain financially stable and can continue their farming activities without falling into debt.
Conclusion
The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana 2024 is a crucial safety net for Indian farmers, providing much-needed financial support in the event of crop loss due to natural disasters. By offering compensation for damaged crops, the scheme plays a vital role in safeguarding the livelihoods of millions of farmers across the country. With its easy-to-access online and offline application processes, PMFBY ensures that even small and marginal farmers can benefit from this important government initiative.
Farmers facing difficulties due to crop loss can rely on the PMFBY to help them recover and continue their farming activities, making agriculture a more sustainable and less risky endeavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) 2024
1. What is Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)?
Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) is a crop insurance scheme launched by the Government of India to provide financial protection to farmers in case of crop failure due to natural disasters, pests, and diseases. The scheme aims to stabilize farmers’ income and encourage them to adopt modern farming practices.
2. Who is eligible for PMFBY?
All farmers, including tenant farmers and sharecroppers growing notified crops in a notified area, are eligible to apply for the scheme. The farmer must have valid land records, and the crops should be insured during the designated crop season.
3. What crops are covered under the PMFBY?
The PMFBY covers major crops, including:
- Kharif Crops (e.g., rice, maize, cotton)
- Rabi Crops (e.g., wheat, barley, mustard)
- Annual Commercial and Horticultural Crops (e.g., sugarcane, fruits, and vegetables)
4. What types of risks are covered under PMFBY?
The scheme provides coverage for various risks including:
- Pre-sowing risks: Loss due to prevented sowing or germination failure due to adverse weather conditions.
- Post-sowing risks: Losses caused by droughts, floods, hailstorms, pests, and diseases.
- Post-harvest losses: Coverage for crops damaged within 14 days of harvest.
- Localized calamities: Losses due to events like landslides, cloudbursts, and inundation.
5. How can farmers apply for PMFBY?
Farmers can apply for the PMFBY through:
- Online Mode: Visit the official PMFBY portal at PMFBY Website and fill out the application form.
- Offline Mode: Submit the application form at local banks, insurance companies, or common service centers (CSCs).
6. What is the premium that farmers need to pay?
Farmers pay a very nominal premium under PMFBY:
- 2% of the sum insured for Kharif crops.
- 1.5% of the sum insured for Rabi crops.
- 5% of the sum insured for commercial and horticultural crops.
The remaining premium is subsidized by the central and state governments.
7. What documents are required to apply for PMFBY?
Farmers need to submit the following documents:
- Aadhaar Card
- Land ownership records
- Bank account details
- Recent passport-sized photograph
- Proof of crop sowing (e.g., seed receipts)
8. What is the claim process under PMFBY?
In case of crop loss, farmers should immediately inform the concerned authorities (bank or insurance company) about the damage. The insurance company will conduct a field survey to assess the damage. Based on the survey, the claim amount will be credited directly to the farmer’s bank account.
9. How long does it take to receive compensation?
The compensation process typically takes 2-3 months after the insurance company has completed the field survey and the claim has been approved. The claim amount is directly transferred to the farmer’s bank account.
10. Can tenant farmers and sharecroppers apply for the scheme?
Yes, tenant farmers and sharecroppers can also apply for PMFBY, provided they have proof of cultivation and permission from the landowner.
11. Is there any deadline for applying for PMFBY?
Yes, there are specific deadlines set for each crop season (Kharif and Rabi). Farmers need to apply for the scheme before the sowing period of the respective season. The deadlines are usually announced on the official PMFBY portal.
12. Can I track the status of my claim online?
Yes, farmers can track the status of their claims on the official PMFBY portal using their application number.
13. What is the role of the government in PMFBY?
The central and state governments play a key role in subsidizing the premium, ensuring that the scheme remains affordable for farmers. They also coordinate with insurance companies to ensure smooth implementation of the scheme.
14. Is PMFBY mandatory for farmers with loans?
Yes, for farmers who have taken agricultural loans (KCC loans), it is mandatory to enroll in PMFBY to protect their crops.
15. What happens if I don’t file a claim within the stipulated time?
If farmers do not file a claim within the required time period after the crop damage, they may lose their right to claim compensation. It is essential to notify the authorities promptly in case of any loss.