Compensation for Crop Damage Caused by Wildlife (in Revenue and Forest Villages)

Madhya Pradesh government pays compensation to farmers whose standing crops are damaged by wild animals in revenue and forest villages. The Forest Department runs this scheme and the money is transferred directly to the bank account of the farmer within 30 working days of the loss assessment.

Farmers in MP lose crops to nilgai, wild boar, deer, bear, elephant and other wild animals every season. Under this scheme, the loss is checked as per the Madhya Pradesh Revenue Book Circular, Volume 6, Clause 4, and the compensation amount is fixed on the basis of that assessment. The damage has to be reported within 3 days and the whole process is free of cost.

Compensation for Crop Damage Caused by Wildlife (in Revenue and Forest Villages) - Main Details

In July 2026, the Jabalpur bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court directed the state government to prepare clear and formal guidelines for crop damage compensation within four weeks. The court said the financial burden of wildlife damage cannot be put only on farmers. The government has also been working on a fixed one-time compensation for crop damage below 25 percent, which was proposed back in 2024.

Farmers can now also get relief through the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, since crop loss from wild animal attacks is covered as an add-on from the Kharif 2026 season. Damage has to be reported within 72 hours using the Crop Insurance App with geotagged photos. This works as an extra layer of support along with the state scheme.

Key Information

Benefits

When wild animals damage the fields, the scheme gives financial support based on the extent of the loss. The amount is decided after the spot assessment by the Revenue Officer and Forest Department staff.

• Cash compensation is given according to the actual damage caused to the crops.
• The loss is assessed as per the Madhya Pradesh Revenue Book Circular, Volume 6, Clause 4.
• The approved amount is sent by direct transfer to the bank account of the farmer.
• Payment is completed within 30 working days after the assessment.

Eligibility

Farmers who meet the following conditions can apply for this compensation:

• The applicant must be a permanent resident of Madhya Pradesh.
• The applicant must be a farmer whose standing crop was damaged.
• The damage must be caused by wild animals only. Loss from domestic or stray animals is not covered.

Application Process

Damage has to be reported within 3 days. Application can be made online on the Lok Sewa Guarantee Portal or by visiting the local office. The process is free.

STEP 1 - Open the Madhya Pradesh Lok Sewa Guarantee Portal and select 'Citizen Registration'.

STEP 2 - Fill in the basic details like name, mobile number and gender, then verify the identity with the code sent on the phone.

STEP 3 - Log in to the dashboard using the User ID and password.

STEP 4 - Select 'Apply Online Service' and choose this scheme.

STEP 5 - Upload the required documents and click on 'Submit'.

For the offline route, visit the office of the Tehsildar, Additional Tehsildar or Naib Tehsildar during working hours. Ask for the physical application form, fill it with the self-attested documents and submit it to the officer. Keep the acknowledgement slip safe.

Documents

Keep these documents ready before applying:

• Identity proof like Aadhaar card or voter ID.
• Copy of the bank passbook for the payment transfer.
• Land ownership or crop records asked by the department during the assessment.

2026 Updates

The Madhya Pradesh High Court on 30 July 2026 ordered the state government to frame clear and formal guidelines for wildlife crop damage compensation within four weeks. The court was hearing a PIL pending since 2018 and said the economic burden of wildlife damage cannot be put only on farmers. The court also suggested studying successful models from other states like the Hathi Mitra app in Chhattisgarh and the alert system in Tamil Nadu.

The central government has also included crop loss from wild animal attacks under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana from the Kharif 2026 season. Farmers have to report the loss within 72 hours using the Crop Insurance App with geotagged photos. This is an add-on cover under the Localised Risk category and helps states like Madhya Pradesh where human-wildlife conflict is common.

References

Official Scheme Details - CM Helpline Madhya Pradesh

MP High Court order on wildlife crop damage compensation guidelines - Raj Express

Centre includes wild animal attacks under PMFBY - The Hindu

Compensation for crop damage below 25 percent - Nai Duniya

FAQ's

Which department runs this scheme?

The Forest Department of Madhya Pradesh runs this scheme along with the local Revenue Department.

When was this scheme started?

The scheme was launched in 2011 to help farmers whose crops are damaged by wild animals.

Who can apply?

Any farmer whose standing crops are damaged by wild animals can apply. Farmers living in both revenue and forest villages are eligible.

Is there a deadline to report the damage?

Yes, the damage has to be reported within 3 days of the incident.

Where should I submit the application?

The form can be submitted online on the Lok Sewa Guarantee Portal or offline at the office of the Tehsildar, Additional Tehsildar or Naib Tehsildar.

How is the loss assessed?

The Revenue Officer and Forest Department staff visit the farm and check the damage as per the Madhya Pradesh Revenue Book Circular, Volume 6, Clause 4.

How soon will I get the compensation?

The amount is transferred within 30 working days from the date of the loss assessment.

Is there any application fee?

No, the whole process is free.

Are forest villagers covered?

Yes, farmers living in both revenue and forest villages are eligible for this compensation.

Where can I get more help?

Visit the nearest Tehsil or Forest Range Office, or check the official portal at mpedistrict.gov.in.