Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) is a comprehensive crop insurance scheme for Indian farmers that provides financial security against unpredictable yield losses, natural disasters, and post harvest damages. The scheme continues in 2026 and remains the largest crop insurance scheme in the world by farmer applications, with over 78 crore applications insured and claims of more than ₹1.83 lakh crore paid since it began.
Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana - Introduction
Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) was launched on 18th February 2016 by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare to support farmers by providing affordable, comprehensive risk cover for their crops. This scheme gives financial protection to farmers who face crop loss due to events like natural disasters, pests, or diseases.
The Union Cabinet approved the continuation of PMFBY and the Restructured Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme till 2025-26 with a total budget of ₹69,515.71 crore. Farmer enrolment reached 4.19 crore in 2024-25, the highest since launch, and the scheme now covers the full crop cycle from pre-sowing to post-harvest, including storage losses caused by a notified calamity.
Main Aims
- To provide financial support so farmers can recover from crop damage caused by unforeseen events.
- To stabilize farm income and help farmers continue their work without interruption.
- To encourage the use of modern, better farming practices.
- To reduce the financial risk of farming and help farmers avoid falling into debt.
Key Information
| Key Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) |
| Nodal Ministry | Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare |
| Coverage Level | Central |
| Beneficiary Type | Individual Farmers |
| Available In | All States |
| Benefit Type | Cash Compensation / Insurance |
| Direct Benefit Transfer | Yes |
| Launch Date | 18th February 2016 |
| Helpline | 14447 |
Benefits
This scheme offers several advantages to help secure a farmer's livelihood:
Affordable Premiums: Farmers pay only a small part of the premium. For Kharif food and oilseed crops, the rate is 2%. For Rabi food and oilseed crops, it is 1.5%, and for commercial or horticultural crops, the rate is 5%. The remaining premium is shared by the central and state governments on a 50:50 basis, except in North Eastern and Himalayan states where the share is 90:10.
Comprehensive Coverage: The scheme protects crops against droughts, floods, cyclones, hailstorms, pests, and diseases, and also covers post-harvest losses.
Fast Settlement: The government aims to settle claims within two months of harvest so farmers do not fall into debt. From Kharif 2024, a 12% penalty is added automatically if claim payment is delayed.
Advanced Technology: Satellite imaging, drones, and mobile apps are used to estimate crop loss accurately. The YES-TECH and WINDS systems help with fair yield and weather data.
| Nature of Risk | Coverage Detail |
|---|---|
| Standing Crops | Non-preventable natural risks like fire, lightning, storms, and floods. |
| Prevented Sowing | Up to 25% of the sum insured if weather prevents sowing. |
| Post-harvest Losses | Covers crops for up to 14 days after harvest if left in cut and spread condition. |
| Localized Calamities | Protection for individual farm losses due to landslides or hailstorms. |
Eligibility
Farmers are eligible for this scheme if they meet the following criteria:
- Must be a farmer, tenant farmer, or sharecropper actively growing a notified crop in a notified area.
- Must have an insurable interest in the crops being grown.
- Must hold valid land records or a recognized land tenure agreement.
- Must submit the application within the designated timeframe, which is usually around 2 weeks from the sowing start date.
- Must not have received separate compensation for the same crop loss from other sources.
From Kharif 2020, the scheme is voluntary for all farmers, including those who have taken institutional crop loans. Aadhaar eKYC verification is mandatory on the official portal for every application.
Exclusions
The scheme does not cover certain situations:
Non-Notified Areas: If a farm is located in an area not covered by the official notification, it is not eligible.
Losses Outside Crop Cycle: Any damage outside the official growing season is usually excluded.
Negligence: Losses due to personal negligence or failure to follow recommended farming practices are not covered.
Non-payment: The farmer must pay the premium share; failing to do so voids the coverage.
Application Process
Farmers have multiple ways to apply for Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY). For the Kharif 2026 season, the registration window generally falls between July and August, though exact dates vary by state.
Online Application
STEP 1 - Visit the official PMFBY portal and click on the 'Farmer Corner' section. STEP 2 - Choose 'Register' if you are a new user and enter your name, mobile number, and Aadhaar number. STEP 3 - Log in and select 'Application for Crop Insurance', then choose the 'Kharif 2026' or relevant season. STEP 4 - Fill in your personal, land, and bank details, and upload the required documents. STEP 5 - Complete the Aadhaar eKYC verification using the OTP sent to your linked mobile number. STEP 6 - Pay the premium online through net banking, debit card, or UPI, and save the application number for tracking.
Offline Application
STEP 1 - Visit your nearest participating bank or authorized insurance office. STEP 2 - Request the application form and fill it out with your details. STEP 3 - Attach your photograph and self-attested documents. STEP 4 - Pay the premium to the bank official and collect the acknowledgement receipt with a reference number.
Documents
Keep these documents ready to simplify the application process:
- Passport-sized photograph of the farmer.
- A copy of the bank passbook for account verification.
- Identity proof such as an Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, or Voter ID.
- Land records like the Record of Rights (RoR), Khasra, or Khatauni number.
- A declaration or certificate confirming the crop sown on the land.
References
More details can be found here:
- Official PMFBY Portal
- Official Operational Guidelines
- Frequently Asked Questions
- PIB Update on PMFBY
FAQ's
I am a tenant farmer. Can I apply for this protection?
Yes, you can apply if you have a valid land tenure agreement that proves your right to cultivate the land.
Does this cover damage from unseasonal rain while drying crops?
Yes, if the loss happens within 14 days of harvest while crops are in a cut and spread condition in the field, it is covered.
What if I am not satisfied with the damage assessment?
You can file an appeal through the portal or submit a written complaint to your district agriculture officer within 7 days of the assessment.
Do I need a new registration every time I apply?
You do not need a new registration, but you must submit a fresh application and pay the premium for every cropping season you wish to cover.
Is there a helpline for PMFBY queries?
Yes, the toll-free KRPH helpline number 14447 helps farmers with queries and complaints under PMFBY.
