Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)
Agriculture is the backbone of India, but it is also one of the most uncertain professions. Farmers depend heavily on weather conditions, and even a small change—like unseasonal rain, drought, or pest attacks—can destroy an entire crop. For many farmers, this means not just loss of income but also financial distress.
To protect farmers from such risks, the Government of India launched the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) in 2016. This scheme aims to provide financial support and insurance coverage to farmers in case their crops fail due to natural calamities.
In this article, you will find a detailed and easy-to-understand explanation of the scheme, including its features, benefits, eligibility, application process, and more.
PM Fasal Bima Yojana Highlights
| Scheme Name | Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) |
| Launched By | Government of India |
| Launch Year | 2016 |
| Objective | Provide crop insurance and financial protection to farmers |
| Beneficiaries | All farmers including small, marginal, tenant, and sharecroppers |
| Premium Rates | 2% (Kharif), 1.5% (Rabi), 5% (Commercial/Horticulture) |
| Coverage | Pre-sowing, standing crop, post-harvest, and localized risks |
| Risks Covered | Drought, flood, cyclone, pests, diseases, hailstorm |
| Subsidy | Shared by Central and State Governments (no upper limit) |
| Claim Payment | Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to bank accounts |
| Application Mode | Online (PMFBY portal) and Offline (Bank / CSC) |
| Official Website | pmfby.gov.in |
What is Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana?
Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana is a crop insurance scheme that provides financial compensation to farmers when their crops are damaged due to:
- Natural disasters (flood, drought, cyclone)
- Pest attacks and diseases
- Unseasonal rainfall
- Landslides and other risks
The scheme is implemented by the Government of India in collaboration with state governments and insurance companies. Its main purpose is to reduce the financial burden on farmers and ensure stability in agriculture.
Objectives of PMFBY
The scheme has several important objectives:
- Provide insurance coverage for crop losses
- Stabilize farmers’ income
- Encourage farmers to adopt modern farming practices
- Ensure flow of credit to agriculture sector
- Reduce farmer distress and suicides
Overall, PMFBY aims to make farming a more secure and sustainable profession.
Key Features of Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)
Feature
Description
Low Premium Rates
Farmers pay only 1.5%–5% premium depending on crop type
Government Subsidy
Remaining premium is paid by Central and State Governments
Comprehensive Coverage
Covers pre-sowing, standing crop, and post-harvest losses
Risk Protection
Protection against natural calamities, pests, and diseases
Use of Technology
Satellite, drones, and mobile apps used for crop assessment
Direct Benefit Transfer
Claim amount directly credited to farmers’ bank accounts
No Upper Limit on Subsidy
Government bears excess premium without any cap
Easy Application Process
Available online and offline through banks and CSC centers
Coverage for Localized Risks
Includes hailstorms, landslides, and waterlogging
Transparency
Online tracking of application and claim status
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Low Premium Rates | Farmers pay only 1.5%–5% premium depending on crop type |
| Government Subsidy | Remaining premium is paid by Central and State Governments |
| Comprehensive Coverage | Covers pre-sowing, standing crop, and post-harvest losses |
| Risk Protection | Protection against natural calamities, pests, and diseases |
| Use of Technology | Satellite, drones, and mobile apps used for crop assessment |
| Direct Benefit Transfer | Claim amount directly credited to farmers’ bank accounts |
| No Upper Limit on Subsidy | Government bears excess premium without any cap |
| Easy Application Process | Available online and offline through banks and CSC centers |
| Coverage for Localized Risks | Includes hailstorms, landslides, and waterlogging |
| Transparency | Online tracking of application and claim status |
Eligibility Criteria for Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligible Farmers | All farmers including small, marginal, sharecroppers, and tenant farmers |
| Type of Farmers | Both loanee (loan-taking) and non-loanee farmers |
| Crop Requirement | Must be growing notified crops in the notified area |
| Land Ownership | Must have ownership, lease, or sharecropping rights |
| Bank Account | Active bank account linked with Aadhaar for DBT |
| Aadhaar Requirement | Aadhaar card is mandatory for registration |
| Insurable Interest | Farmer must have insurable interest in the crop being insured |
| Application Deadline | Must apply before the last date notified for each crop season |
Crops Covered Under PMFBY
Under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), a wide variety of crops are covered to ensure that farmers across different regions and farming practices receive protection. The scheme includes food crops, oilseeds, commercial crops, and horticultural crops, depending on the state and season.
Detailed List of Crops Covered Under PMFBY
| Category | Crop Name |
|---|---|
| Cereals | Rice (Paddy) |
| Wheat | |
| Maize | |
| Bajra (Pearl Millet) | |
| Jowar (Sorghum) | |
| Ragi (Finger Millet) | |
| Barley | |
| Small Millets | |
| Pulses | Gram (Chana) |
| Arhar (Tur) | |
| Moong | |
| Urad | |
| Masoor | |
| Lentil | |
| Peas | |
| Oilseeds | Soybean |
| Groundnut | |
| Mustard | |
| Sunflower | |
| Sesame (Til) | |
| Linseed | |
| Castor | |
| Commercial Crops | Cotton |
| Sugarcane | |
| Jute | |
| Tobacco | |
| Tea | |
| Coffee | |
| Horticultural Crops | Potato |
| Onion | |
| Tomato | |
| Cabbage | |
| Cauliflower | |
| Brinjal | |
| Chilli | |
| Mango | |
| Banana | |
| Apple |
Risks Covered
Risks Covered Under PMFBY
Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) provides comprehensive insurance coverage to farmers against various risks that can damage crops at different stages of farming. This ensures financial protection and reduces uncertainty in agriculture.
1. Prevented Sowing / Planting Risk
If farmers are unable to sow crops due to adverse weather conditions such as insufficient rainfall or floods, they are eligible for compensation under the scheme.
2. Standing Crop Loss
Covers losses during the crop growth period due to drought, flood, cyclone, pests, and diseases.
3. Post-Harvest Loss
Provides protection for crops after harvesting (up to 14 days) against risks like unseasonal rainfall and storms.
4. Localized Calamities
Includes risks such as hailstorms, landslides, and waterlogging that affect specific areas.
PMFBY ensures protection at every stage of farming—from sowing to post-harvest—making it a complete crop insurance solution.
Premium Details Under PMFBY
| Crop Category | Farmer Premium | Government Subsidy | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kharif Crops | 2% of Sum Insured | Remaining premium shared by Central & State Government | Covers crops like rice, maize, bajra |
| Rabi Crops | 1.5% of Sum Insured | Remaining premium shared by Central & State Government | Covers crops like wheat, barley, gram |
| Commercial & Horticultural Crops | 5% of Sum Insured | Remaining premium shared by Central & State Government | Includes cotton, sugarcane, fruits & vegetables |
The remaining premium is shared by central and state governments.
How to Apply for PMFBY
Farmers can apply for the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) through both online and offline methods. The process is simple, quick, and designed to ensure easy access to crop insurance benefits.
Online Application Process
- Visit the official PMFBY website
- Click on Farmer Corner
- Select Register / Guest Farmer
- Enter Aadhaar, mobile number, and bank details
- Fill crop and land details
- Upload required documents
- Submit the application
Offline Application Process
- Visit nearest Bank / CSC / Agriculture Office
- Fill PMFBY application form
- Submit Aadhaar, bank details, and land records
- Pay the premium amount
- Collect acknowledgment receipt
Documents Required
- Aadhaar Card
- Bank Passbook
- Land Records
- Crop Details
- Passport-size Photo
PM Fasal Bima Yojana Portal
The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) portal is the official online platform where farmers can easily apply for crop insurance, check their application status, and access important scheme-related services. Designed to make the process simple and transparent, the portal allows farmers to complete registration without visiting government offices. It provides features like self-registration, farmer login, premium calculation, and claim tracking in one place.
Through the PMFBY portal, farmers can insure their crops against risks such as drought, floods, pests, and unseasonal rainfall. The platform also ensures that claim amounts are directly transferred to the farmer’s bank account, making the process faster and more reliable. Whether you are a new applicant or an existing user, the portal offers a user-friendly interface to manage all your crop insurance needs efficiently.
Apply for Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)
| Service | Description | Apply Link |
|---|---|---|
| Official PMFBY Portal | Main government website for registration, details, and services | Visit Website |
| Farmer Self Registration | New farmers can register and apply online | Apply Now |
| Farmer Login | Existing users can log in to check status and manage application | Login Here |
| MyGov PMFBY Page | Government information and awareness page about the scheme | View Details |
| India.gov.in Portal | Central government scheme directory with official PMFBY details | Visit Portal |
Documents Required
To enroll in the scheme, farmers need:
- Aadhaar Card
- Bank account details
- Land records
- Crop sowing details
- Passport-size photograph
PMFBY Claim Process
The claim process under Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) is designed to be simple, transparent, and farmer-friendly. Farmers need to follow a few important steps to report crop loss and receive compensation directly in their bank accounts.
Steps to Claim Insurance
- Crop Damage Occurs: Due to natural calamities, pests, or diseases
- Inform Authorities: Report the loss within 72 hours to:
- Bank / Insurance Company
- Agriculture Office
- CSC (Common Service Centre)
- Submit Required Details: Provide:
- Policy number / Application ID
- Aadhaar details
- Crop and land details
- Field Verification: Crop loss is assessed using:
- Crop Cutting Experiments (CCE)
- Satellite / Drone technology
- Claim Calculation: Based on extent of crop damage and insured amount
- Claim Approval: Verified by insurance company and authorities
- Payment Transfer: Compensation is directly credited to farmer’s bank account (DBT)
Important: Farmers must report crop loss within 72 hours to be eligible for claim benefits.
PMFBY Status Check by Aadhaar Card
Farmers who have applied under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) can easily check their application or claim status using their Aadhaar card. This method is simple and useful, especially when you do not have your application number. The Aadhaar-linked system helps in identifying your registration details and provides quick access to your insurance status.
By entering your Aadhaar number on the official PMFBY portal, you can view whether your application is approved, pending, or if your claim amount has been credited to your bank account. Make sure your Aadhaar is linked with your bank account and registered during the application process for accurate results.
Steps to Check PMFBY Status by Aadhaar
- Visit the official PMFBY website
- Go to the "Farmer Corner" section
- Click on "Check Status" or "Application Status"
- Select Aadhaar Number as the search option
- Enter your Aadhaar number and submit
- View your application or claim status on the screen
Check PM Fasal Bima Yojana Status
Farmers who have applied under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) can easily check their application and claim status online through the official portal. This helps farmers stay updated about their crop insurance, claim approval, and payment details without visiting banks or government offices.
To check the status, farmers need basic details like their application number, Aadhaar number, or registered mobile number. The portal provides real-time updates on whether the claim is under process, approved, or transferred to the bank account. This transparency ensures that farmers can track their benefits easily and quickly.
Steps to Check PMFBY Status
- Visit the official PMFBY website
- Click on "Farmer Corner"
- Select "Application Status" or "Check Status"
- Enter required details (Application ID / Aadhaar / Mobile Number)
- Click on Submit to view status
Benefits of PM Fasal Bima Yojana
Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) provides strong financial protection to farmers against crop losses. It ensures stability in income and reduces the risks associated with farming.
Key Benefits
- Financial Protection: Farmers receive compensation for crop loss due to natural disasters
- Low Premium: Farmers pay only 1.5% to 5% of the sum insured
- Government Support: Remaining premium is paid by the government
- Comprehensive Coverage: Covers pre-sowing, standing crop, and post-harvest losses
- Protection from Natural Risks: Covers drought, floods, pests, and diseases
- Direct Benefit Transfer: Claim amount is directly credited to bank accounts
- Encourages Modern Farming: Reduces risk, allowing farmers to adopt new technologies
- Support for All Farmers: Available for loanee and non-loanee farmers
- Quick Claim Settlement: Use of technology speeds up claim processing
- Improves Credit Access: Helps farmers get easier loans from banks
PMFBY acts as a financial safety net for farmers, ensuring stability and security even during crop failure.
Importance of PMFBY in India
India is an agriculture-based country, and millions of farmers depend on farming for their livelihood. PMFBY plays a crucial role in:
- Reducing financial stress
- Supporting rural economy
- Ensuring food security
- Promoting sustainable agriculture
It acts as a safety net for farmers against unpredictable risks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
It is a government crop insurance scheme that protects farmers against crop loss due to natural disasters, pests, and diseases.
All farmers including small, marginal, tenant, sharecroppers, and both loanee and non-loanee farmers can apply.
Farmers pay 2% for Kharif crops, 1.5% for Rabi crops, and 5% for commercial and horticultural crops.
You can apply online through the official portal or offline via banks, CSC centers, or agriculture offices.
The scheme covers drought, flood, cyclone, pests, diseases, hailstorms, and post-harvest losses.
You can check your status online using your application ID, Aadhaar number, or mobile number.
Farmers must report crop loss within 72 hours. After verification, the claim amount is transferred to their bank account.
The last date is generally 31 July for Kharif crops and 31 December for Rabi crops.
No, it is voluntary for most farmers, but may be mandatory for loanee farmers in some cases.
The claim amount is directly transferred to the farmer’s bank account through DBT.
Conclusion
The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana is a major step toward protecting farmers from the uncertainties of agriculture. With low premium rates, wide coverage, and government support, it provides a strong safety net for farmers.
While there are some challenges, the benefits of the scheme clearly outweigh them. For farmers, enrolling in PMFBY can be a smart decision to secure their crops and income.
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