Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)
Low-premium crop insurance protecting farmers against yield loss from natural calamities, pests and disease.
Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), launched on 18 February 2016 by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, provides comprehensive crop insurance at a heavily subsidised premium. Farmers pay only a small fraction of the actual premium; the rest is shared between the central and state governments.
At a Glance
- Government level
- Central
- State
- All India
- Category
- Agriculture
- Target beneficiaries
- Farmers growing notified crops in notified areas, including tenant farmers and sharecroppers
Benefits
- Farmer premium capped at 2% of sum insured for Kharif crops, 1.5% for Rabi crops, and 5% for commercial/horticultural crops
- Remaining premium subsidised by the central and state governments (shared 50:50, or 90:10 in North-Eastern and Himalayan states)
- Compensation paid directly to the farmer’s Aadhaar-linked bank account via DBT
- Coverage for losses from drought, flood, hailstorm, pest attack, disease and other notified perils
Eligibility
- All farmers, including sharecroppers and tenant farmers, growing notified crops in notified areas
- Compulsory for loanee farmers availing Seasonal Agricultural Operations (SAO) loans, unless they opt out within the specified window
- Voluntary for non-loanee farmers
- Farmer must have an insurable interest in the crop and valid land records or a tenancy agreement
Documents Required
- Land ownership record or valid tenancy/lease agreement
- Aadhaar card
- Bank account details
- Sowing declaration
How to Apply
- 1.Loanee farmers are enrolled automatically by their bank unless they opt out before the deadline
- 2.Non-loanee farmers can register online on the official PMFBY portal or through their bank/Common Service Centre before the seasonal cut-off date
- 3.In case of crop loss, report it within the notified window through the app, portal or helpline for assessment
Official Source
PMFBY Official Portal
Visit Official SourceImportant Information
Government scheme rules, benefit amounts and eligibility criteria can change. Always confirm current details on the official source above before applying, and never pay any third party to access a government service.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much premium do farmers pay under PMFBY?
Only 2% of the sum insured for Kharif crops, 1.5% for Rabi crops, and 5% for commercial or horticultural crops — the rest is covered by the central and state governments.
Is PMFBY compulsory?
It is compulsory for loanee farmers taking seasonal agricultural loans, unless they opt out in time, and voluntary for non-loanee farmers.