Agriculture in India is highly dependent on weather conditions, making farmers vulnerable to unexpected crop losses caused by droughts, floods, hailstorms, pests, and diseases. To provide financial security against such risks, the Government of India launched the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), a crop insurance scheme that helps farmers recover from crop damage and stabilize their income.
This guide covers everything farmers need to know about Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana — eligibility, premium rates, registration process, claim settlement, status check, beneficiary list, and the new 72-hour rule for loss reporting.
What is Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)?
Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) is a government-backed crop insurance scheme launched on 18 February 2016 by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. The scheme was introduced to provide financial assistance to farmers when their crops suffer damage due to natural calamities, adverse weather conditions, pest attacks, or diseases.
PMFBY scheme replaced earlier crop insurance programs such as the National Agricultural Insurance Scheme (NAIS) and Modified National Agricultural Insurance Scheme (MNAIS) with the aim of making crop insurance more affordable and accessible. Under the scheme, farmers pay only a small portion of the insurance premium, while the remaining cost is shared by the Central and State Governments.
The scheme covers a wide range of risks, from preventing sowing and standing crop losses to post-harvest damage in notified areas. Since 2020, participation in the PMFBY scheme has been voluntary for all farmers, allowing them to choose whether to enroll based on their needs and cropping patterns.
Objective of PMFBY Scheme
The main objective of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana is to provide financial support to farmers in the event of crop failure, stabilize their income, and encourage them to continue farming without fear of losses.
Specific objectives include:
- To provide financial assistance and support to farmers suffering from crop damage or loss arising out of unforeseen events.
- To stabilise the income of farmers and ensure continuance in farming.
- To encourage the farmers to adopt modern and innovative agricultural practices.
- To ensure crop diversification, and credit-worthiness of the farmers, enhance growth and competitiveness of the agriculture sector and protect the farmers from production risks.
PM Fasal Bima Yojana Benefits
PMFBY Scheme gives farmers real support when their crops fail. Here are the main benefits every farmer should know:
- Low Premium: Only 2% for Kharif, 1.5% for Rabi, and 5% for horticultural crops.
- Wide Coverage: Includes yield loss, prevented sowing, post-harvest losses, and localised calamities.
- No upper limit on government subsidy : The government pays the balance premium even when it exceeds 90%.
- Faster Claims: Carried out through technology-based assessment.
- 12% penalty on delayed claims : applied automatically if claim payment is delayed
- Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT): Claim money is credited directly to your Aadhaar-linked bank account.
- Mobile App Support: For easy registration, premium calculation, and loss reporting.
- Drone & Satellite Based Assessment: Provides accurate and transparent loss measurement.
Risks Covered Under PMFBY
PMFBY covers a wide range of risks that can lead to crop loss across different stages of the crop cycle. The following risks are included under the scheme:
- Yield Losses (Standing Crops): PM Fasal Bima Yojana provides insurance coverage for yield losses caused by non-preventable risks during the standing crop period, from sowing to harvest. This includes:
- Natural fire and lightning
- Storm, hailstorm, cyclone, typhoon, tempest, hurricane, and tornado
- Floods, inundation, and landslides
- Drought and dry spells
- Pests and diseases
- Prevented Sowing or Planting: If most farmers in a notified area are unable to sow their crops due to unfavourable weather conditions like flood or drought, they can claim up to 25% of the sum insured as compensation. This helps farmers recover their input cost even before the crop is sown.
- Post-Harvest Losses: The scheme offers post-harvest coverage on an individual farm basis for up to 14 days from the date of harvest. It applies to crops kept in the field in "cut and spread" condition to dry. If such crops are damaged by cyclone, cyclonic rains, or unseasonal rainfall, farmers can claim insurance for the loss.
- Localised Calamities: Coverage is provided on an individual farm basis for losses caused by identified localised hazards such as hailstorms, landslides, inundation, and cloudbursts. This applies even when only certain farmlands within a notified area are affected.
- Wild Animal Attack (NEW from Kharif 2026): Added as a new add-on cover under the Localised Risk category, this helps farmers whose land lies near forests or wildlife corridors. Crop damage caused by wild animals such as elephants, wild boar, nilgai, and deer is now eligible for insurance compensation.
- Paddy Inundation (NEW from Kharif 2026): Reintroduced as a Localised Calamity Cover, this benefits farmers in coastal and flood-prone states whose paddy crops are damaged due to prolonged water-logging or inundation caused by heavy or unseasonal rainfall.
Exclusions Under PMFBY scheme
The following risks are excluded from PMFBY coverage:
- War and nuclear risks
- Riots and civil disturbances
- Malicious damage by humans
- Theft
- Losses due to farmer's negligence
- Damage from acts of the enemy or terrorism
PMFBY Eligibility Criteria 2026
To apply for the PMFBY scheme, the farmer must meet the following eligibility conditions.
Who Can Apply for PMFBY Scheme
- All farmers growing listed crops in notified areas
- Farmers who own the land (Khatedari farmers)
- Tenant farmers and sharecroppers (with valid land documents)
- Both loanee and non-loanee farmers
- Joint families where land is in any family member's name
Special Rules for Tenant Farmers and Sharecroppers
Tenant farmers and sharecroppers can apply if they provide:
- A written lease/tenancy agreement
- Authorised certification from the village revenue officer
- Valid land record showing the rented land
Crops Covered Under PMFBY
PM Fasal Bima Yojana covers a wide range of crops grown across India. The list of "notified crops" varies by state and season.
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Crop Category
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Examples
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Food Crops (Cereals)
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Paddy, Wheat, Maize, Bajra, Jowar, Ragi
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Pulses
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Tur, Moong, Urad, Chana, Masoor
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Oilseeds
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Mustard, Groundnut, Soybean, Sunflower, Sesame
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Commercial Crops
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Cotton, Sugarcane, Jute
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Horticultural Crops
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Banana, Apple, Mango, Onion, Potato, Tomato, Chilli
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PMFBY Premium Rates 2026
The biggest advantage of the PM Fasal Bima Yojana is the very low premium farmers have to pay. The government bears the remaining cost as a subsidy.
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Crop Type
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Farmer's Premium Share
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Kharif Crops (rice, maize, jowar, bajra, etc)
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2% of sum insured
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Rabi Crops (wheat, mustard, chickpea, etc)
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1.5% of sum insured
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Annual Commercial / Horticultural Crops
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5% of sum insured
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How the Premium Subsidy Work
Cup-and-Cap Premium Model (NEW – Kharif 2025)
From Kharif 2025, 11 out of 23 states have adopted the Cup-and-Cap (80:110) model, where the premium is capped between 80% and 110% of the previous year's premium. This protects both farmers and insurance companies from sudden premium fluctuations.
Pro Tip: Use the PMFBY Premium Calculator on pmfby.gov.in to know exactly how much you need to pay for your crop and land size.
Documents Required for PMFBY Registration
Keep these documents ready before applying for PMFBY registration:
- Aadhaar Card (mandatory for all applicants)
- Passport-size photograph
- Bank Passbook with IFSC code
- Identity Proof such as PAN Card, Voter ID, Bank Passbook with Photo, Kisan Photo Book, or NREGA Job Card
- Address Proof such as Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Voter ID, Electricity Bill, or Bank Passbook with Photo
- Land Records such as Khasra, Khatauni, Survey Number, 7/12 extract, Record of Rights (RoR), or Land Possession Certificate (LPC)
- Sowing Certificate signed by the Patwari, Sarpanch, or village Pradhan
- Mobile number linked to Aadhaar
- Tenancy Agreement (only for tenant farmers/sharecroppers)
- Bank loan documents (only for loanee farmers)
PMFBY Registration - How to Apply for Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana
You can complete your PMFBY registration in four ways. Choose whichever is most convenient for you:
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Online at pmfby.gov.in — Visit the official portal, click "Farmer Corner", register with mobile and Aadhaar, fill the application form, pay the premium online, and submit.
- At your Bank Branch — Loanee farmers can apply at the bank where they have their crop loan. Banks deduct the premium directly from the loan account.
- At a CSC (Common Service Centre) — Carry your documents and let the operator complete the registration online.
- Through an Insurance Company Agent — Authorised agents of insurance companies impanelled under PMFBY can also enrol farmers.
PMFBY Last Date 2026 — Enrolment Deadlines for Kharif & Rabi
The PMFBY last date is one of the most important dates every farmer must remember. If you miss the enrolment deadline, you cannot apply for crop insurance for that season, even if you are eligible.
PMFBY Enrolment Deadlines for 2026
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Season
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Crops Covered
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Last Date for Enrolment
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Kharif 2026
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Paddy, Maize, Cotton, Soybean, Bajra, Jowar, etc.
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31 July 2026 (most states)
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Rabi 2026–27
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Wheat, Mustard, Chana, Masoor, etc.
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31 December 2026 (most states)
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Note: The above dates apply to most participating states. However, exact deadlines vary by state and crop. Always check your state's notification on pmfby.gov.in or contact your local agriculture office.
PMFBY Status Check — How to Verify Your Application
After registration, you can check your PMFBY status anytime using your application number, policy number, or mobile number.
Quick Steps for PMFBY Status Check
- Visit pmfby.gov.in
- Click on "Application Status" under the Farmer Corner
- Enter your Application Number or Aadhaar Number
- Fill in the captcha and click "Check Status"
- Your enrolment status, premium paid, sum insured, and policy details will appear on screen
Note: Status updates may take 7 to 10 days after registration. If status shows "Pending" after 15 days, contact your insurance company or call the helpline at 14447.
PMFBY Beneficiary List 2026 — How to Check
The PMFBY beneficiary list is the official list of farmers approved under the scheme for a given season. You can check whether your name is included in the list state-wise and season-wise.
Quick Steps to Check PMFBY Beneficiary List
- Visit pmfby.gov.in
- Go to the "Beneficiary List" section
- Select your State → Season → Year → Scheme Type (PMFBY or RWBCIS)
- Enter the District, Block, and Village
- Click "Submit" to view the list
If your name is missing, the reason could be:
- Premium not paid on time
- Documents not verified
- Land records not updated
- Application rejected during processing
PMFBY Claim Process — How to Get Crop Insurance Money
The claim process is where most farmers face problems. Understanding the rules clearly can help you get your claim faster.
The 72-Hour Rule — Why It Matters
For localised calamities (hailstorm, landslide, inundation, cloudburst) and post-harvest losses, you MUST report the damage within 72 hours through:
- The Crop Insurance Mobile App
- The PMFBY portal — pmfby.gov.in
- Toll-free helpline 14447
- Your insurance company directly
How to Report Localized Crop Damage
- Open the Crop Insurance App on your phone
- Login with your registered mobile number
- Tap on "Report Crop Loss"
- Select your policy and crop
- Take geo-tagged photos of the damaged crop
- Mention the reason (hailstorm, flood, etc.)
- Submit the report
Common Reasons for PMFBY Claim Rejection
Many farmers face claim rejection. Below are the 6 most common reasons and how to avoid them.
1. Missing the 72-Hour Reporting Window
Solution: Always report damage within 72 hours through the Crop Insurance App, portal, or 14447.
2. Premium Not Paid on Time
Solution: Pay the premium before the cut-off date for your state. Even one day late = no coverage.
3. Wrong Crop or Area Declared
Solution: Declare the exact crop and exact area sown. Cross-check with your sowing certificate.
4. Land Records Not Updated
Solution: Get your Khasra/Khatauni updated by the village Patwari before applying.
5. Bank Account Not Linked with Aadhaar (NPCI Seeded)
Solution: Visit your bank and complete NPCI Aadhaar seeding so the claim amount can be credited.
6. Documents Mismatched
Solution: Make sure name on Aadhaar, bank passbook, and land records match exactly.
Important: If your claim is rejected, you can file an appeal within 30 days through your insurance company or the PMFBY grievance portal.
PMFBY Helpline & Grievance Redressal
If you need help with PMFBY, use these official channels:
Toll-Free Helpline
- 14447 (national PMFBY helpline)
Email
- support@csc.gov.in
- help.agri-insurance@gov.in
Online Grievance
- Visit pmfby.gov.in → "Farmer Corner" → "Grievance"
District-Level Help
- Visit your District Agriculture Officer (DAO)
- Or contact the State Nodal Officer (SNO) for PMFBY
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