Scheme Overview
Even the most disciplined farm faces unpredictable weather risks. Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) provides comprehensive insurance coverage against crop failure due to drought, unseasonal rain, hailstorm, floods, pests, and diseases—helping stabilize farm income so a single bad season doesn’t derail long-term farm operations.
Risks Covered
- Prevented Sowing / Planting Risk: When insured farmers are prevented from sowing due to deficit rainfall or adverse seasonal conditions.
- Standing Crop Loss (Sowing to Harvesting): Comprehensive yield loss protection against droughts, dry spells, floods, inundation, pests, diseases, landslides, natural fire, and hailstorms.
- Post-Harvest Losses: Coverage for up to 14 days from harvesting for crops kept in “cut and spread” condition in the field for drying against cyclones, unseasonal rains, and hailstorms.
- Localized Calamities: Hailstorm, landslide, inundation, cloudburst, and natural fire affecting isolated farms.
Who is Eligible & When to Apply
- All farmers—including sharecroppers and tenant farmers—growing notified crops in notified areas are eligible. Enrollment is voluntary for all farmers.
- Cut-off Dates:
- Kharif Season: Typically opens in June and closes around July 31 (check state notification).
- Rabi Season: Typically opens in November and closes around December 31.
How to Apply & Report Claims
- Enrollment: Apply online via pmfby.gov.in, through your KCC/crop loan bank branch, via a nearest Common Service Centre (CSC), or using the Crop Insurance Mobile App.
- Reporting Localized Crop Loss (Crucial 72-Hour Rule): In case of localized hailstorm, waterlogging, or post-harvest rain damage, notify within 72 hours via the Crop Insurance App or by calling the toll-free helpline 14447.