What is PMFBY?
The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojna was launched on 18th February 2016 by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. 21 states implemented the scheme in Kharif 2016 whereas 23 states and 2 UTs have implemented the scheme in Rabi 2016-17. Approximately 3.7 Crores farmers have been insured in the Kharif 2016 for 3.7 crore ha of land at premium of Rs 16212 crore for a sum insured of Rs 128568.94 crore as per figures available on 31.03.2017.
Selection of Implementing Agency (IA) is done by the concerned State Government through bidding. The scheme is compulsory for loanee farmers availing Crop Loan /KCC account for notified crops and voluntary for other others. The scheme is being administered by Ministry of Agriculture.
Objective of the Scheme
Pradhan Mantri Fasal BimaYojana (PMFBY) aims at supporting sustainable production in agriculture sector by way of
- Providing financial support to farmers suffering crop loss/damage arising out of unforeseen events
- Stabilizing the income of farmers to ensure their continuance in farming
- Encouraging farmers to adopt innovative and modern agricultural practices
- Ensuring flow of credit to the agriculture sector which will contribute to food security, crop diversification and enhancing growth and competitiveness of agriculture sector besides protecting farmers from production risks.
Coverage of Farmers
All the farmers growing notified crops in a notified area during the season who have insurable in the crop are eligible.
Coverage of Crops
- Food crops (Cereals, Millets and Pulses),
- Oilseeds
- Annual Commercial / Annual Horticultural crops.
Coverage of Risks and Exclusions
- Prevented Sowing/Planting/Germination Risk: Insured area is prevented from sowing / planting / germination due to deficit rainfall or adverse seasonal/weather conditions. 25% of the sum insured will be paid and the Policy will be terminated.
- Standing Crop (Sowing to Harvesting): Comprehensive risk insurance is provided to cover yield losses due to non-preventable risks, viz. Drought, Dry spell, Flood, Inundation, widespread Pests and Disease attack, Landslides, Fire due to natural causes, Lightning, Storm, Hailstorm and Cyclone.
- Post-Harvest Losses: Coverage is available only up to a maximum period of two weeks from harvesting, for those crops which are required to be dried in cut and spread / small bundled condition in the field after harvesting against specific perils of Hailstorm, Cyclone, Cyclonic rains and Unseasonal rains
- Localized Calamities: Loss/damage to notified insured crops resulting from occurrence of identified localized risks of Hailstorm, Landslide, Inundation, Cloud burst and Natural fire due to lightening affecting isolated farms in the notified area.
- Add-on coverage for crop loss due to attack by wild animals: The States may consider providing add- on coverage for crop loss due to attack by wild animals wherever the risk is perceived to be substantial and is identifiable.
