Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) is a crop insurance scheme launched by the Government of India in 2016. Its main objective is to provide financial security to farmers against crop losses due to natural calamities.
This scheme will help reduce risks in agriculture, stabilize farmers’ incomes, and encourage them to adopt innovative farming practices.
What is the speciality of PMFBY scheme?
- Low premium: This scheme provides crop insurance to farmers at low premium rates.
- Kharif (Monsoon) crops: Premium of 2% of the sum insured for all Kharif crops of food grains and oilseeds.
- Rabi (Fall) crops: Premium of 1.5% of the sum insured for all Rabi crops of food grains and oilseeds.
- Annual commercial/horticultural crops: Premium of 5% of the sum insured.
Under what circumstances will the scheme be eligible for benefits?
Yield Loss (Regional basis): Insurance cover for yield loss due to common fire and lightning, storm, hail, cyclone, flood, landslide, drought, dry spell and pests/diseases.
Sowing Failure: Compensation if sowing or planting cannot be done due to adverse weather conditions.
Post-Harvest Losses: Coverage for loss due to cyclone, storm rain, unseasonal rain for crops left to dry in the field for 14 days after harvest.
Local Calamities: Compensation exclusively for losses due to local calamities like hail, landslide and cloudburst occurring in a particular area.
Voluntary Scheme: Registration for this scheme is voluntary from Kharif 2020 season. Earlier it was mandatory for farmers who have availed crop loans.
Use of technology: Smart phones, remote sensing, drone technology, etc. are used to estimate crop losses and bring transparency in compensation distribution. Compensation is directly deposited into the farmers’ accounts through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
Who can apply?
All farmers (both landowners and contractors) growing crops in notified areas can apply for this scheme.
How to apply for PMFBY?
Online:
Click on the official website of Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana
Click on the “Farmer Corner” section and register your registration number.
Fill in all the required information and upload the documents.
Pay the insurance premium online.
A separate portal is also available for farmers in Karnataka:
www.samrakshane.karnataka.gov.in/CropHome.aspx
Through Offline:
Visit your nearest bank branch (the bank from which you have taken crop loan or any other bank), cooperative society, or Common Service Centre (CSC).
Fill the application form available there.
Submit the application along with the required documents.
Required Documents:
- Aadhaar Card
- Bank Passbook
- Land Title Deed (RTC) or Lease Agreement Document
- Sowing Certificate (from Village Accountant)
- Crop Sowing Certificate
Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana in Karnataka
PMFBY scheme is being successfully implemented in Karnataka as well. The Agriculture Department issues instructions for registration for notified crops in each season (Kharif and Rabi).
Farmers can get information about notified crops and related cut-off dates in their districts from the Agriculture Department or insurance companies. The last date for Kharif 2025 is July 31, 2025.
For more information, you can visit the PMFBY official website or contact the toll-free helpline number 14447.