About Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)

Launched on February 18, 2016, the **Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)** replaced existing crop insurance schemes like the National Agricultural Insurance Scheme (NAIS) and Modified NAIS. It was designed with the 'One Nation - One Scheme' theme to offer a more effective and affordable insurance mechanism for farmers across India.

The scheme aims to provide financial support to farmers suffering crop loss/damage arising out of unforeseen events, stabilize their income to ensure their continuance in farming, and encourage them to adopt innovative and modern agricultural practices.

Key Features and Benefits of PMFBY

Comprehensive Protection for Farmers' Livelihoods

• Low Premium Rates: Farmers pay a very low uniform premium:
  • Kharif Crops: 2% of the sum insured.
  • Rabi Crops: 1.5% of the sum insured.
  • Annual Commercial & Horticultural Crops: 5% of the sum insured.
  The balance premium is paid by the Government (Central & State) to provide full insured amount against crop loss. There is no upper limit on Government subsidy.
• Comprehensive Risk Coverage: The scheme covers a wide range of risks from pre-sowing to post-harvest losses:
  • Yield Losses (Standing Crops): Due to non-preventable risks like Natural Fire and Lightning, Storm, Hailstorm, Cyclone, Typhoon, Tempest, Hurricane, Tornado, Flood, Inundation, Landslide, Drought, Dry spells, Pests/Diseases.
  • Prevented Sowing/Planting: If farmers are prevented from sowing due to adverse weather, claims up to 25% of the sum-insured are provided.
  • Post-Harvest Losses: Coverage for up to 14 days from harvesting for crops kept in "cut & spread" condition in the field to dry, against specific localized risks like cyclonic rains and unseasonal rains.
  • Localized Calamities: Coverage for localized risks such as hailstorm, landslide, and inundation affecting individual farms.
  • Mid-Season Adversity: Provision for "on-account payment" up to 25% of the sum insured for mid-season adversity if crop damage is reported more than 50% in the insurance unit.
• Technology-Driven Implementation: Encourages the use of technology like smartphones for crop cutting data, remote sensing, drones, and satellite imagery for quick and accurate assessment of crop losses, ensuring early settlement of claims.
• Voluntary Participation: From Kharif 2020, the scheme has been made voluntary for all farmers, allowing them to choose whether to enroll. (Earlier, it was compulsory for loanee farmers).
• Direct Claim Settlement: Claim amounts are credited electronically to the individual farmer's bank account, ensuring transparency and reducing delays.

Eligibility Criteria for PMFBY

Who Can Avail Crop Insurance?

All farmers growing notified crops in a notified area during the season who have an insurable interest in the crop are eligible. This includes:

• Loanee Farmers: Farmers who have availed Seasonal Agricultural Operations (SAO) loans from Financial Institutions for the notified crops are covered.
• Non-Loanee Farmers: Farmers who have not taken any crop loans can also voluntarily enroll in the scheme.
• Sharecroppers and Tenant Farmers: These farmers are also eligible for coverage.

Farmers must have a valid and authenticated land ownership certificate or a valid land tenure agreement. Application for insurance coverage must be done within the prescribed time frame, usually within 10 days of sowing or as per the state-specific cut-off dates.

How to Apply for PMFBY

Steps to Enroll in the Crop Insurance Scheme

Farmers can enroll in the PMFBY through various channels:

1. Through Banks/Financial Institutions:

If you are a loanee farmer, your bank will generally enroll you automatically. Non-loanee farmers can also approach their bank branch.

1. Visit Your Bank Branch: Approach the bank from where you avail crop loans or any participating bank offering PMFBY.
2. Fill Application Form: Obtain and fill the PMFBY application form.
3. Submit Documents: Provide necessary documents (land records, Aadhaar, bank passbook, sowing declaration).
4. Premium Payment: Pay the farmer's share of the premium. The bank will process your application.

2. Through Common Service Centres (CSCs):

CSCs act as facilitators for farmers to apply for the scheme.

1. Visit Nearest CSC: Go to a Common Service Centre.
2. Provide Details: The CSC operator will assist in filling the online application form on the PMFBY portal.
3. Submit Documents & Pay Premium: Provide required documents and pay the premium.

3. Self-Registration via PMFBY Portal:

Farmers can also register themselves directly on the official PMFBY portal.

1. Visit Official PMFBY Portal: Go to pmfby.gov.in.
2. Click on "Farmer Corner": Select "Apply for Crop Insurance" or "Farmer Registration."
3. Register/Login: If new, register as a "Guest Farmer" by filling in details and verifying Aadhaar/mobile. If already registered, log in.
4. Fill Insurance Form: Provide details about your land, crop, and desired sum insured.
5. Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of required documents (land records, bank passbook, Aadhaar, sowing certificate).
6. Pay Premium: Pay the premium online.
7. Submit: Submit the application.

Documents Required: Aadhaar Card, Bank Passbook, Land Records (Khasra/Khatauni), Sowing Certificate/Declaration, Passport-size photograph.

How to Claim Under PMFBY

Steps for Timely Compensation

In case of crop loss due to a covered peril, farmers must inform the concerned authorities promptly:

1. Intimate Loss: Inform the insurance company or the local agriculture department/bank within 72 hours of the occurrence of the localized calamity or crop loss event. This can often be done through the mobile app or helpline.
2. Loss Assessment: The insurance company, in coordination with state government officials, will conduct a loss assessment using various methods, including crop cutting experiments, remote sensing, and drone imagery.
3. Claim Settlement: Once the loss is assessed and approved, the insurance money will be transferred directly to the farmer's bank account. PMFBY aims to process claims within two months of harvest.

Important Contacts and Resources

Support and Official Information

• Official PMFBY Portal: pmfby.gov.in - The central portal for scheme details, application, and status tracking.
• PMFBY Mobile App: Downloadable from the official portal or app stores for easy access to information and reporting.
• PMFBY Helpline Number (HDFC Ergo example): 1800-2-660-700 (Note: Specific insurance companies may have their own helplines).
• Agriculture Insurance Company of India (AIC) Helpline: 1800 11 6515 (Customer Support), 14447 (Krishi Rakshak Portal helpline).
• Email (AIC): fasalbima@aicofindia.com
• Your Bank Branch: For application and queries related to your specific insurance policy.
• Local Agriculture Department: For scheme details, assistance, and reporting crop loss.

PMFBY stands as a crucial safety net for Indian farmers, protecting them from agricultural risks and fostering resilience in the face of climate change and other challenges.