Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)
Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) is a flagship crop insurance scheme launched by the Government of India to protect farmers from financial losses due to crop failure. Introduced on 18 February 2016, PMFBY provides affordable insurance coverage against natural calamities, pests, and diseases. The scheme aims to ensure income stability for farmers and encourage them to continue farming without fear of unforeseen risks. PMFBY is implemented through a wide network of insurance companies, banks, and digital platforms, making it accessible to millions of farmers across India.
Key Highlights of Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana
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Scheme Name: Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)
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Launched On: 18 February 2016
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Launched By: Government of India
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Ministry / Department: Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers’ Welfare, Ministry of Agriculture
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Beneficiaries: All Indian farmers (including tenant farmers and sharecroppers)
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Premium Rates:
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Kharif crops – 2%
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Rabi crops – 1.5%
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Commercial/Horticultural crops – 5%
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Coverage: Natural disasters, pests, diseases, post-harvest losses
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Official Website: Click Here
Objective of the Scheme
The main objectives of Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana are:
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To provide financial assistance to farmers suffering crop loss or damage due to unforeseen events
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To stabilise farmers’ income and ensure continuity in farming activities
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To encourage adoption of modern and innovative agricultural practices
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To promote crop diversification and enhance credit-worthiness of farmers
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To protect farmers from production-related risks and strengthen the agriculture sector
Benefits of Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana
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Affordable Premiums: Farmers pay a minimal premium, while the remaining amount is subsidized by the Central and State Governments
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Comprehensive Risk Coverage: Protection against drought, flood, hailstorm, pests, diseases, landslides, and cyclones
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Post-Harvest Loss Coverage: Coverage up to 14 days after harvesting for crops kept in “cut & spread” condition
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Prevented Sowing Coverage: Compensation up to 25% of sum insured if sowing is not possible due to adverse weather
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Timely Claim Settlement: Claims are aimed to be settled within two months of harvest
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Technology-Based Assessment: Use of satellites, drones, and mobile apps for accurate crop loss estimation
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100% Premium Subsidy: For farmers in North-Eastern States, Jammu & Kashmir, and Himachal Pradesh
Eligibility Criteria
Farmers eligible for PMFBY include:
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All farmers growing notified crops in notified areas
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Loanee farmers (those who have taken crop loans)
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Non-loanee farmers
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Tenant farmers and sharecroppers with valid land tenure or cultivation proof
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Farmers must have insurable interest in the crop being cultivated
Required Documents List
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Passport-sized photograph
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Bank passbook
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Identity proof (Aadhaar Card / PAN Card / Voter ID / NREGA Job Card)
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Address proof
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Land records (RoR, LPC, or state-notified agreements)
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Declaration of crop sown or intended to be sown
How to Apply for PMFBY Online Application
Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) provides crop insurance coverage to farmers against crop loss due to natural calamities. Farmers can apply online, offline, or through CSC. The complete step-by-step process is explained below.
PMFBY Online Application Process (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Visit Official Website
Visit the official website of Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY).
Step 2: Access Farmer Corner
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On the top right corner of the homepage, click on “Farmer Corner”
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In the popup window, click on “Guest Farmer”
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You will be redirected to the Online Registration Form
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If you are already registered, skip directly to Step 4
Step 3: Complete Farmer Registration
Fill in all mandatory fields (marked with a red asterisk *) in the registration form.
Farmer Details
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Full Name
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Passbook Name
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Relationship
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Relative Name
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Mobile Number
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Age
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Caste Category
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Gender
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Farmer Type
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Farmer Category
Residential Details
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State
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District
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Sub-District
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Residential Village / Town
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Address
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PIN Code
Farmer ID Details
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ID Type
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ID Number
Account Details
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IFSC Code
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Bank Name
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Branch Name
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Savings Bank Account Number
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Confirm Savings Bank Account Number
At the bottom of the form:
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Enter the Captcha Code
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Click on “Create User”
Step 4: Login to Apply for Crop Insurance
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Click on “Farmer Corner (Apply for Crop Insurance Yourself)”
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In the popup window, select “Login for Farmer”
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You will be redirected to the login page
👉 Click Here
Step 5: OTP-Based Login
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Enter your registered Mobile Number
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Fill in the Captcha Code
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Click “Request for OTP”
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Enter the OTP received on your mobile
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Click “Submit” to access the Farmer Application Form
Step 6: Fill Application Form & Upload Documents
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Fill in all mandatory details in the application form
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Upload all required documents in the specified format and size
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Click “Preview” to review all details carefully
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Click “Submit” to complete the application
You will receive a confirmation message after successful submission.
Step 7: Payment of Premium
After submission, a popup window will appear with two options:
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Pay Later – If you want to pay the premium at a later stage
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Make Payment – To pay the insurance premium immediately
Select the option as per your preference.
Step 8: Payment Receipt
After successful payment, you can print or download the payment receipt for future reference.
Track Your PMFBY Application Status (Online)
Farmers can track their application status online by following these steps:
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Visit the PMFBY official website
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Click on “Application Status” on the home page
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Enter the required details to check the status
PMFBY Offline Application (Bank / Insurance Office)
Step-by-Step Offline Application Process
Step 1: Visit Bank or Insurance Office
Visit your nearest participating bank branch or insurance company office and request the prescribed PMFBY application form.
Step 2: Fill the Application Form
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Fill in all mandatory details carefully
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Paste a passport-size photograph (sign across it, if required)
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Attach self-attested copies of all mandatory documents
Step 3: Submit Form & Pay Premium
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Submit the duly filled and signed application form along with documents
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Pay the applicable insurance premium amount
Step 4: Receive Application Reference Number
After submission, you will receive an application reference number to track your application.
Track Offline PMFBY Application
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Visit the official PMFBY website
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Click on “Application Status”
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Enter the reference number and required details
Application via Common Service Centre (CSC)
Step-by-Step CSC Application Process
Step 1: Visit the Nearest CSC
Go to your nearest Common Service Centre (CSC).
Step 2: Inform the VLE
Inform the Village Level Entrepreneur (VLE) that you want to apply for PMFBY.
You may also request the VLE to submit the application on your behalf.
Step 3: Submit Required Information & Documents
Provide all required details and soft copies of necessary documents to the VLE.
Step 4: Pay the Premium Amount
Pay the applicable insurance premium after successful submission.
The premium amount depends on:
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Crop type
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Area
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Season
Step 5: Collect Acknowledgement Receipt
Collect the acknowledgement receipt as proof of successful submission.
Track CSC PMFBY Application Status
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Visit the PMFBY official website
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Click on “Application Status” on the home page
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Enter the required details to check your status
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Selection Process
There is no selection or merit process under PMFBY. Eligible farmers who apply correctly and pay the required premium are automatically covered under the scheme.
Important Dates
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Scheme Launch Date: 18 February 2016
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Application Period: As per crop season notifications issued by State Governments
Official Website & Helpline Details
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Official Website: Click Here
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Farmers can track application status through the “Application Status” option on the website
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Who can apply for Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana?
All farmers, including tenant farmers and sharecroppers cultivating notified crops in notified areas, can apply.
Q2. What risks are covered under PMFBY?
The scheme covers natural disasters, pests, diseases, prevented sowing, and post-harvest losses.
Q3. How much premium does a farmer need to pay?
Farmers pay 2% for Kharif crops, 1.5% for Rabi crops, and 5% for commercial or horticultural crops.
Q4. Is post-harvest crop damage covered under PMFBY?
Yes, post-harvest losses are covered for up to 14 days for crops kept in cut & spread condition.
Q5. Do farmers in Himachal Pradesh need to pay premium?
No, farmers in Himachal Pradesh receive 100% premium subsidy from the government.
Conclusion
Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana is a crucial initiative aimed at safeguarding Indian farmers from agricultural risks. With low premiums, wide coverage, and technology-driven claim settlement, PMFBY strengthens farmers’ financial security and promotes sustainable agriculture. Farmers are encouraged to enroll under the scheme every season to ensure protection against unexpected crop losses.
