The Central Government's Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) has once again come into focus as lakhs of farmers across the country are enrolling for crop insurance ahead of the Rabi season. The scheme, launched in 2016, provides financial security to farmers against crop losses caused by drought, floods, cyclones, pests, or diseases.
Under this initiative, farmers pay only a nominal premium-2% for Kharif crops, 1.5% for Rabi crops, and 5% for commercial or horticultural crops-while the remaining cost is borne by the Centre and respective state governments. The scheme ensures that even small and marginal farmers are protected from unexpected disasters that could destroy their crops and livelihoods.
According to official data, more than 41.9 million farmers have been enrolled under PMFBY in the 2024-25 season, up from 31.7 million in 2022-23. Since the launch of the scheme, over 784 million farmer applications have been insured, and around ₹1.83 lakh crore has been paid out as compensation to 22.6 crore farmers.
Government officials say the scheme's success lies in its outreach - participation by non-loanee farmers (those not taking crop loans) has risen sharply, from just 20 lakh a decade ago to over 5 crore now.
PMFBY is open to all farmers who grow "notified crops" in their respective districts. Both land-owning farmers and sharecroppers can apply, provided they have valid land records or tenancy documents.
Loanee farmers (those who have taken agricultural loans) are automatically covered unless they submit a written refusal.
Non-loanee farmers must apply voluntarily before the deadline announced for each crop season.
Losses caused by natural calamities, pests, and diseases are covered. However, damages outside the notified area, losses due to negligence, or those unrelated to crop cultivation are not covered under the scheme.
Applicants must carry the following documents for verification:
Aadhaar card or other valid ID proof
Bank passbook copy
Passport-size photograph
Land ownership certificate or lease agreement
Crop declaration (mentioning the crop sown)
Farmers can register for PMFBY in three simple ways:
Online: Visit the official website pmfby.gov.in. Click on "Farmer Corner," register as a guest farmer, and fill in your Aadhaar, mobile number, bank details, and crop information. Upload the required documents and pay the premium online.
Offline: Visit your nearest bank branch, insurance company office, or agriculture department. Collect and fill the printed form, attach documents, and submit it before the enrolment deadline.
CSC Centres: Farmers can visit the nearest Common Service Centre (CSC). The local operator (VLE) will help complete the registration, upload documents, and collect the first premium payment.
PMFBY acts as a safety net for millions of small and marginal farmers who depend on seasonal crops for survival. In states like Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan, thousands of farmers have already received crores in claim settlements. Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan recently said the Centre will soon release ₹3,200 crore in pending claims to ensure faster settlements under the new guidelines.
The Ministry of Agriculture has introduced new digital reforms under PMFBY to ensure that claims are processed within weeks instead of months. Satellite mapping, weather-based data, and drone-based crop assessment are being integrated for faster verification.
Officials say the move will help eliminate fake claims and ensure that genuine farmers receive timely compensation directly into their bank accounts.
PMFBY continues to be one of India's most crucial agricultural protection programmes, shielding farmers from the financial shock of crop failure. Farmers can check their registration or claim status anytime on the official portal pmfby.gov.in.