PM Fasal Bima Yojana: How to Apply for Crop Insurance at Low Premium and Get Coverage

For farmers, crop loss caused by floods, drought, hailstorms, cyclones, pests or diseases can result in a major financial setback. The PM Fasal Bima Yojana ( PMFBY ) offers crop insurance at a subsidised premium, helping eligible farmers manage the financial impact of losses arising from notified risks. Here is everything farmers need to know about PMFBY, including eligibility, premium rates, documents, application process and what to do after crop damage.
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What is PM Fasal Bima Yojana?

The PM Fasal Bima Yojana is a Central Government crop insurance scheme designed to provide financial support to farmers when their insured crops are damaged by covered risks.

The scheme aims to reduce the financial burden associated with crop failure and provide farmers with greater protection against unpredictable agricultural losses. Instead of bearing the full insurance premium, farmers pay only a prescribed share, while the government provides the applicable subsidy.



PMFBY Premium Rates: How Much Does a Farmer Pay?


One of the key features of PMFBY is the relatively low premium payable by farmers. The maximum farmer share is generally:

  • Kharif crops: Up to 2% of the sum insured
  • Rabi crops: Up to 1.5% of the sum insured
Annual commercial and horticultural crops: Up to 5% of the sum insured


However, the actual premium and sum insured can vary depending on the crop, state, district, notified area and government notifications for the particular season. Farmers should therefore check the applicable details before enrolling.


What Crop Losses Are Covered Under PMFBY?

PMFBY provides protection against various notified risks that can damage crops. Depending on the applicable notification and coverage, these may include:

  • Drought and dry spells
  • Floods and inundation
  • Cyclones and storms
  • Hailstorms
  • Pest attacks and crop diseases
  • Prevented or failed sowing in applicable situations
  • Post-harvest losses covered under the scheme
Coverage is subject to the notified crop, area, season and specific provisions applicable to the farmer.


Who Can Apply for PM Fasal Bima Yojana?

Farmers growing notified crops in notified areas can be covered under PMFBY, subject to the applicable scheme rules.


Both eligible loanee and non-loanee farmers may come under the scheme, although the requirements and enrolment process can differ. Since crop insurance notifications are issued for specific states, districts, crops and seasons, farmers should verify the rules applicable to their location before applying.


Documents Required for PMFBY Registration

Farmers should keep the necessary documents and crop-related information ready while applying for crop insurance. These may include:

  • Aadhaar card
  • Active mobile number
  • Bank account and passbook details
  • Land ownership or cultivation records
  • Khasra/Khatauni or other relevant land documents
  • Details of the crop being cultivated
  • Sowing-related information
  • Loan details, where applicable
  • Other documents requested during registration
Accurate bank account and IFSC information is particularly important because eligible insurance claim payments may be transferred electronically to the registered bank account.


How to Apply for PM Fasal Bima Yojana Online?

Farmers can apply for crop insurance through the official PMFBY portal, subject to the enrolment process applicable in their state and season.


Step 1: Visit the PMFBY Portal


Open the official PM Fasal Bima Yojana portal and look for the farmer-related services section.

Step 2: Select the Farmer Application Option

Go to the Farmer Corner or the relevant crop insurance application option available on the portal.

Step 3: Enter Farmer Details

Provide the required information, such as your mobile number, name, state, district and other requested personal details.


Step 4: Add Crop and Land Information

Enter details related to the land, cultivated crop, season, area and other information required for insurance.

Step 5: Provide Bank Details

Enter your bank account information carefully, including the required account and IFSC details.

Step 6: Upload Documents


Upload the documents requested during the application process in the prescribed format.

Step 7: Submit and Track the Application

Review all information before submitting the application. Once submitted, keep the acknowledgement or application details so that you can track the status later.


How to Calculate the PMFBY Premium?

The premium payable under PMFBY is not identical for every farmer. It can depend on several factors, including the crop, state, district, season, cultivated area and insured amount.

Farmers can use the premium calculator available on the PMFBY portal by entering relevant details such as the year, season, state, district, crop and area. This can help determine the applicable premium for the selected crop and location.



What Should Farmers Do After Crop Damage?

If an insured crop suffers damage due to a covered event, farmers should report the loss as soon as possible through the prescribed channel.

Prompt reporting is important because the claim assessment process may have specific timelines and procedures. Farmers should retain relevant documents and information relating to their insured crop and follow the instructions issued for their area.

The PMFBY portal also provides facilities for reporting crop losses and raising complaints. The scheme's listed helpline number is 14447.


How Is the PMFBY Claim Paid?

After the claim is assessed and processed according to the applicable rules, an eligible claim amount can be transferred electronically to the farmer's registered bank account.

The final claim amount depends on factors such as the extent of eligible crop loss, the notified provisions, assessment methodology, insured crop and other applicable conditions. Farmers should therefore ensure that their bank account details are accurate when registering for insurance.



Why PM Fasal Bima Yojana Is Important for Farmers

Agriculture is highly dependent on weather and environmental conditions, making crop income vulnerable to events that farmers cannot always control. PMFBY provides a mechanism through which eligible farmers can obtain financial protection against specified crop losses without having to bear the entire insurance premium themselves.

For farmers considering crop insurance, understanding the premium, notified crops, coverage, enrolment deadline, documents and claim-reporting process is essential before applying.

The PM Fasal Bima Yojana is designed to provide financial protection to eligible farmers against crop losses arising from notified risks. Farmers generally pay a maximum premium share of 2% for Kharif crops, 1.5% for Rabi crops and 5% for annual commercial and horticultural crops, while the applicable government subsidy covers the remaining eligible premium. Since rules and notified crops can vary by location and season, farmers should verify the latest official details before enrolling.