Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) – Simplified Overview
The PMFBY, launched on 18 February 2016, is a crop insurance scheme by the Government of India to protect farmers from crop loss due to natural disasters, pests, or diseases. Apply for Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana 2025 and protect your crops from natural disasters, pests, and more. Check premium rates, eligibility, and claim process. PMFBY 2025: Government-backed crop insurance for Indian farmers. Low premium, fast claim, and full financial support during crop loss. Apply online now Get complete details about the Fasal Bima Yojana: eligibility, crop coverage, premium rates, claim process, and online application guide for 2025.
Summary
PMFBY is a safety net for farmers, giving them financial help when crops fail due to reasons beyond their control. With government support and digital innovations, the scheme continues to evolve. The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) is a government-backed crop insurance scheme launched on 18 February 2016 to provide financial support to farmers in the event of crop loss or damage due to natural disasters, pests, or diseases. It covers a wide range of crops including food grains, oilseeds, and horticultural crops during both Kharif and Rabi seasons.
Farmers pay a minimal premium—2% for Kharif crops, 1.5% for Rabi crops, and 5% for commercial crops—while the rest is subsidized by the Central and State Governments. The scheme aims to stabilize farmers’ income, promote modern farming, and encourage greater investment in agriculture. Both loanee and non-loanee farmers can apply either online through pmfby.gov.in or offline via banks and Common Service Centres (CSCs). In case of crop loss, farmers must report within 72 hours, and claims are settled directly into their bank accounts after verification.
Key Features
- Covers losses due to drought, flood, hailstorm, pests, diseases, and even post-harvest damage (up to 14 days).
- Applicable to all farmers, including tenant and sharecroppers.
- Loanee farmers (those who take crop loans) are automatically enrolled.
- Non-loanee farmers can apply voluntarily.
Crops Covered
- Food grains (wheat, rice, maize, etc.)
- Oilseeds
- Commercial and horticultural crops
Farmer’s Premium Share
- Kharif crops: 2%
- Rabi crops: 1.5%
- Commercial/horticulture crops: 5%
The remaining premium is subsidized by the Central and State Governments.
Claim Process
- Inform insurance company within 72 hours of damage.
- Official damage survey done.
- Compensation is directly credited to the farmer’s bank account within 10–15 days.
Latest Updates (2025–26)
- Scheme extended till 2026 with a ₹69,515 crore budget.
- ₹824 crore set aside for using technology like drones, satellite mapping for faster damage assessment.
- Enrollment deadlines (e.g., Karnataka: July 31) announced for the current season.
Benefits vs. Challenges
| Benefits | Challenges |
|---|---|
| Financial safety for farmers | Some delays in claim processing |
| Encourages modern farming | High premium burden in some states |
| Stabilizes rural income | Lack of awareness in remote areas |
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply for the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) — both online and offline:
Online Application Process
Step 1: Visit the official portal
Registration : Click Here
Status Check : Click Here
Step 2: Register/Login
- Click “Farmer Corner” → Choose “Register” if you’re a new user.
- If already registered, log in using your mobile number and OTP.
- Apply PMFBY via CSC – Step-by-Step Guide
- Step 1: Visit the Nearest CSC
- Go to your nearby Common Service Centre (CSC). You can find one using the CSC locator:
- Find CSC : Click Here
Step 3: Fill in the application form
You will need:
- Aadhar card
- Land records or tenancy proof
- Sowing certificate (from local officer or self-declaration)
- Bank passbook (for direct benefit transfer)
- Recent passport photo
Step 4: Select crop and season
- Choose your state, district, block, and season (Kharif/Rabi).
- Select the crop and area (in hectares) to insure.
Step 5: Upload documents & submit
- Upload scanned copies of documents.
- Review all details carefully and submit the form.
Step 6: Premium payment
- Pay the farmer’s share of the premium online (via UPI, debit card, etc.).
- Save the receipt/acknowledgement for reference.
Offline Application Process
- Visit your nearest:
- Bank branch (especially where you have a Kisan Credit Card)
- Common Service Centre (CSC)
- Agriculture Department Office
- Collect the PMFBY form and fill it with crop details, area, season, and your personal data.
- Submit documents:
- Aadhar card
- Land ownership/tenancy proof
- Bank passbook copy
- Photograph
- Sowing certificate if required
- Pay premium at the bank/CSC and get an acknowledgement receipt.
Important Timelines (for 2025-26)
- Kharif crops: Enroll before July 31, 2025
- Rabi crops: Generally till December 31, 2025
(Dates may vary by state – always check your local agriculture office or website.)
Helpline
- Toll-Free Number: 1800-180-1551
- Email: help.pmfby@gov.in
