PMFBY Updates: India is considered an agricultural country, and even today, a large population depends on agriculture. Crops are the primary source of income for farmers, but their crops often suffer losses due to weather vagaries and natural disasters. Unexpected rains, storms, hailstorms, droughts, and pests destroy crops. Farmers not only lose their hard work but also face financial difficulties. To protect farmers from this loss, the government assists in various schemes, the most prominent of which is the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana.
Why is the Crop Insurance Scheme Important?
Many farmers do not obtain crop insurance and are unable to receive compensation in case of crop failure. This is why the government continuously encourages farmers to participate in the insurance scheme. Crop insurance provides financial relief to farmers in the event of losses caused by natural disasters, pests, or diseases. Farmers can apply for this scheme by visiting the official website pmfby.gov.in.
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Major Changes in Crop Insurance
In response to long-standing questions and demands from farmers, the central government has made two major changes to the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY). Insurance benefits will now be available even if crops are damaged by wild animals, whereas previously, no compensation was provided for such losses. Furthermore, full insurance coverage will also be provided if crops are flooded due to heavy rains or prolonged waterlogging. Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan made this announcement via a video message. He clearly stated that the government will not abandon farmers in any crisis and will provide assistance for any loss.
What is Provided Under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana 2025
This scheme provides farmers with various protections. Losses caused by drought, floods, hailstorms, fire, pests, and diseases were already covered under this scheme. Now, it also includes situations such as wild animals and flooding of fields due to excessive rainfall. This will provide significant relief to farmers whose crops are frequently damaged due to these reasons.
Farmers are also protected even after the harvest. If crops are damaged after harvest due to rain, storms, or any other reason, insurance cover is available for 14 days. Previously, damage assessments took time, but now, with the use of satellites, drones, and new technology, inspections are quick, and compensation is issued quickly.
How much is the insurance premium?
Under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, farmers have to pay a very low premium. The premium is 2% for Kharif crops, 1.5% for Rabi crops, and 5% for horticultural or cash crops. The remaining premium is paid jointly by the central and state governments. This low premium makes the scheme even more beneficial for farmers.
Who can avail the PM Fasal Bima Yojana?
The government has established a category for availing the PM Fasal Bima Yojana. This category includes landowning farmers, sharecroppers, and tenant farmers, and insurance will be provided only on the land being cultivated.
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How to apply for the PM Fasal Bima Yojana?
First, visit the website pmfby.gov.in.
First, click on Farmer Corner – Guest Farmer.
In this, you will need to fill in your name, address, Aadhaar, and bank details.
After this, log in with an OTP.
After filling out the application form, upload all documents.
After payment, download the receipt.
Documents required to apply
For the PM Kisan Crop Insurance Scheme, you must require a passport-side photo, Aadhaar card, PAN card, voter ID card, bank passbook, land record or tenancy proof, and a declaration of the crop sown.