Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana: Crop damaged by drought, floods, or pests? The government will provide compensation. Find out how.

By Siddhi Jain | Oct 8, 2025, 11:16 IST

PMFBY 2025: The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) provides financial protection to farmers against crop losses due to drought, floods, pests, or diseases. The scheme offers comprehensive coverage at a low premium. Learn about the application process, eligibility, and required documents.

Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana: Agriculture is the backbone of every Indian farmer's life, but their year-long hard work is often ruined by weather, floods, droughts or pest attacks. In such a situation, to protect farmers from financial loss, the Central Government has launched Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY). The objective of this scheme is to provide insurance protection to farmers against crop loss, so that they can continue farming without financial worries. This scheme is run under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and more than 50 crore farmers across the country have benefited from it. More than 50 crops have been covered under the scheme so far.

Objective of Prime Minister Crop Insurance Scheme

The main objectives of this scheme are to provide financial assistance to farmers in case of crop loss due to natural calamities, pests or diseases.
To keep the income of farmers stable and motivate them to continue farming.
To promote modern and scientific farming.
To make farmers creditworthy and strengthen competition in the agricultural sector.

Benefits of PM Fasal Bima Yojana

Affordable premium rates

Under this scheme, farmers pay only a 2% premium for Kharif crops, 1.5% for Rabi crops, and 5% for commercial or horticultural crops. The remaining amount is shared by the central and state governments. In areas such as the northeastern states, Jammu and Kashmir, and Himachal Pradesh, the government pays the entire premium.

Comprehensive protection coverage

The plan covers losses caused by natural disasters such as drought, floods, hailstorms, landslides, pests, and diseases. Compensation is also provided for losses that occur after the harvest.

Timely compensation

The government aims to ensure that the insurance amount reaches the farmers within two months of crop loss, so that they do not have to take loans.

Technology-based testing

Crop loss is now assessed using satellite images, drone surveys and mobile apps, enabling claims to be settled quickly and accurately.

What kind of and what risk coverage is available under Fasal Bima Yojana?

Loss of standing crop: Natural calamities like fire, flood, hailstorm, storm, pests or drought.
In case of failure to sow seeds: Compensation up to 25% in case of failure to sow seeds due to bad weather.
Post-harvest losses: Coverage up to 14 days in case of damage due to cyclone or rain to the crop kept for drying in the field after harvest.
Local disaster: Includes local events such as hailstorms or landslides.

Who can apply for the Crop Insurance Scheme?

All farmers including landholders, sharecroppers and sharecroppers can apply.
Crop insurance can be done only on the land on which the farmer cultivates.
It is necessary for the farmer to have valid proof of land.
The application has to be made within 15 days of the start of the sowing season.

What is not covered under Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana?

Crop loss in non-declared area.
Crop loss due to out of season.
Losses caused due to farmer's negligence or wrong farming techniques.
Failure to pay the premium will invalidate the insurance.

How to apply for Crop Insurance Scheme?

Visit the official website pmfby.gov.in.
Go to Farmer Corner, click on Guest Farmer and fill the registration form.
Enter information like name, mobile number, bank details, Aadhar card and address.
After registration, go to Login for Farmer and login with OTP.
Fill the application form, upload the required documents and submit it.
After submitting the application, choose the option of Pay Later or Make Payment.
After payment, print the receipt and keep it safe.

What documents are required to apply?

Passport size photo
Identity proof (Aadhaar or PAN or Voter ID)
Address Proof
Bank Passbook
Land records or tenancy proof
Declaration of crop sown

The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) is not just a government scheme, but a shield of financial security for farmers. This scheme gives farmers the confidence to continue farming despite natural disasters. If you are a farmer and want to protect your hard-earned crops, be sure to register to take advantage of this scheme.