The last date for Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana has been extended, apply before this date

Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana 2025: Deadline Extended for Kharif Crops, Apply Before August 14

Farmers across the country facing unpredictable weather conditions now have more time to secure their crops under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY). The government has officially extended the last date for registration for Kharif crops from July 31 to August 14, 2025. Farmers who fail to enroll before this deadline will not be eligible for compensation in case of crop loss.

Launched on 18 February 2016 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, PMFBY replaced the older National Agricultural Insurance Scheme. Its objective is to provide affordable crop insurance and financial assistance to farmers in the event of natural calamities, pest attacks, or diseases.

What is Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana?

The PMFBY is a centrally sponsored scheme designed to shield farmers from financial distress caused by unpredictable weather and disasters. From droughts to unseasonal rains, from hailstorms to pest infestations, the scheme ensures that farmers do not fall into a debt trap due to crop failure.

The scheme covers major food crops, oilseeds, and horticultural crops recognized by the government. The insurance premium is heavily subsidized, making it affordable for farmers.

Key Features of PMFBY

• Farmers pay only 2% premium for Kharif crops, 1.5% for Rabi crops, and 5% for commercial or horticultural crops. The rest of the amount is borne by the government.

• In special regions like Northeast India, Jammu & Kashmir, and Himachal Pradesh, the government bears the full premium.

• Coverage includes losses due to drought, floods, unseasonal rains, hailstorms, landslides, pests, and post-harvest damage for up to 14 days.

• Claims are settled within two months using satellite imagery, drones, and mobile apps for accurate crop damage assessment.

Eligibility

• All farmers, whether landowners or those farming on leased land, are eligible.

• Farmers must apply before the notified deadline.

• The crop being insured should be among those recognized under the scheme.

• Duplicate claims for the same crop under other schemes are not allowed.

How to Apply Online

1. Visit the official PMFBY portal.

2. Go to Farmers Corner > Guest Farmer and fill out the registration form.

3. Provide personal details, land documents, crop details, and bank account information.

4. Submit the form and pay the premium online (or select ‘Pay Later’).

5. Take a printout of the application for future reference.

Farmers can also apply offline through banks, insurance companies, or Common Service Centers (CSC).

Claim Process

If a crop is damaged, the farmer must report it within 48–72 hours via the helpline 14447, the insurance company, or the nearest bank/CSC. A verification team inspects the field, and the compensation is usually credited to the farmer’s bank account within two months.

Required Documents

• Passport-size photo

• Aadhaar card, PAN, Voter ID, or Job Card

• Bank passbook

• Land ownership or lease documents

• Crop declaration form

Why This Extension Matters

India’s farmers face constant risks from climate change. Sudden floods, droughts, or pest attacks can destroy months of hard work. With the deadline extended to August 14, farmers now have an additional opportunity to safeguard their Kharif crops. Those who miss this date will have no protection in case of losses.

By subsidizing crop insurance, the government aims to stabilize farmers’ income, reduce indebtedness, and encourage the adoption of modern agricultural practices.