Sibin OFOUNDER · EDITORLinkedIn ↗
Verified against official .gov.in portals · Last checked June 2026 · How we verify
Last Updated: June 2026

PM Fasal Bima Yojana 2026: Crop Insurance for All Farmers at Low Premium

PM Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) provides comprehensive crop insurance to protect farmers from losses due to drought, flood, pest attack, hailstorm, and natural calamities. Farmers pay only 2% (Kharif) or 1.5% (Rabi) of the insured amount as premium — the government pays the rest. Learn how to enrol, what is covered, and how to file a claim.

Verified by NagrikIQ Research Team
Sources: Official .gov.in portals only · Updated June 2026
Official Sources
pmfby.gov.in — Official Portal →

Most farmers I spoke to while researching this had no idea that KCC holders were being auto-enrolled — and quietly charged premiums — for years without proper consent. That changed after 2020, but the bigger issue remains: the enrolment deadline is brutal and non-negotiable. Miss it by even a day, and a flood or drought that wipes out your entire crop leaves you with nothing. If you're a farmer or helping one, the single most important thing to bookmark is the state-specific cut-off date — not the national deadline, because it often differs.

— Sibin O, Founder, NagrikIQ · Last verified June 2026

Overview

PM Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) was launched in 2016, replacing the older National Agricultural Insurance Scheme (NAIS). It provides comprehensive crop insurance against multiple risks at very low farmer-premium rates. The scheme is implemented by Agriculture Insurance Company of India (AIC) and private insurers empanelled by respective states. Premium rates for farmers: - Kharif crops (Paddy, Maize, Soybean, Cotton): 2% of sum insured - Rabi crops (Wheat, Barley, Gram, Mustard): 1.5% of sum insured - Commercial and horticulture crops: 5% of sum insured - Remaining premium (often 40–60% of actuarial rate) is shared equally by state and central government Coverage types: 1. Prevented Sowing/Planting Risk: If widespread natural calamity prevents sowing, up to 25% of sum insured paid 2. Standing Crop: Losses due to drought, dry spell, flood, hailstorm, cyclone, pests, diseases during crop season 3. Post-Harvest Losses: Losses within 14 days of harvest (for crops kept in field for drying) 4. Localised Calamities: Hailstorm, landslide, inundation affecting individual farms (not just widespread) 5. Mid-Season Adversity: Advance payment of up to 25% if expected crop loss >50% The scheme is voluntary for non-loanee farmers. For farmers with Kisan Credit Cards (KCC), enrolment was previously compulsory but is now voluntary (opt-out available). Deadline for enrolment is typically: Kharif — 31 July (varies by state/crop), Rabi — 31 December (varies by state/crop). Always verify the exact deadline with your bank or state agriculture department.

Eligibility

  • All farmers growing notified crops in notified areas (both loanee and non-loanee farmers)
  • Sharecroppers and tenant farmers cultivating notified crops in notified areas are eligible
  • For non-loanee farmers: voluntary enrolment — must apply before sowing deadline
  • For KCC (Kisan Credit Card) holders: previously auto-enrolled, now voluntary — must opt-in by deadline
  • Farmer must have cultivable land/access to agricultural land in the notified area
  • Crop must be a notified crop for the area — list available at pmfby.gov.in or state agriculture department
  • Application must be submitted before the cut-off date for the specific season and crop
  • Aadhaar seeding of bank account is mandatory for premium subsidy and claim payment

Documents Required

Aadhaar card (mandatory for farmer identification and DBT claim payment)
Land records — Khasra number, survey number, Khata/Khatauni, or Patta from state revenue records
Bank account details — account must be Aadhaar-linked (KCC account preferred)
Sowing certificate / sowing declaration (from Patwari/Agriculture Extension Officer confirming sowing of the crop)
Crop declaration form specifying the crop sown, area, and survey number
Mobile number for claim intimation and policy SMS
For tenant/sharecropper farmers: rent agreement or self-declaration confirmed by landlord
State-specific land record documents (Pahani in AP/TS, RTC in Karnataka, 7/12 extract in Maharashtra)

Fees & Processing Time

Fee
Farmer premium: 2% for Kharif crops, 1.5% for Rabi crops, 5% for horticulture/commercial crops. The remaining actuarial premium (often much higher) is borne by state and central governments equally. No separate service charge or application fee.
Processing Time
Enrolment is done before sowing deadline. If a crop loss event occurs, you must notify the insurer within 72 hours of calamity occurrence. Claims are processed within 2 months of harvest and crop cutting experiments (CCEs). Post-harvest claims are processed within 2 months of claim intimation. Payment is directly credited to the Aadhaar-linked bank account.

How to Apply Online

  1. 1Visit pmfby.gov.in and click 'Farmer Corner' → 'Apply as a Farmer'
  2. 2Register with your mobile number (OTP verification) and Aadhaar number
  3. 3Select your state, district, tehsil/taluk, and village
  4. 4Select the crop you are sowing from the list of notified crops for your area
  5. 5Enter land details: survey number/Khasra number, area under cultivation (in hectares)
  6. 6Enter your bank account details (IFSC code, account number) for premium deduction and claim credit
  7. 7Review the sum insured amount and your premium (calculated automatically at 2%/1.5%/5%)
  8. 8Pay the premium online via net banking, UPI, or debit card
  9. 9Download your policy certificate with a Policy Number for future reference
  10. 10Submit sowing certificate through the portal or at the nearest bank branch after sowing
  11. 11In case of crop loss: report within 72 hours at pmfby.gov.in, call 14447, or visit bank/CSC

How to Apply Offline

  1. 1Visit the nearest bank branch (where your KCC or savings account exists) or CSC (Common Service Centre)
  2. 2Ask for PM Fasal Bima enrolment form for the current Kharif/Rabi season
  3. 3Carry land records (Khasra number), Aadhaar card, and bank passbook
  4. 4The bank or CSC fills the crop declaration form and deducts the farmer premium from your account
  5. 5Obtain acknowledgement with policy number — keep it for claim filing
  6. 6After sowing, submit sowing certificate at the bank/CSC within stipulated deadline
  7. 7For crop loss: notify within 72 hours to bank, insurer, or state agriculture department
  8. 8Visit the bank/CSC to track claim status and ensure bank account is active for claim credit

Common Problems & Solutions

Missed the sowing deadline — can I still enrol?
Unfortunately, enrolment after the cut-off date is not accepted under PMFBY. Cut-off dates are strict. For next season, mark the deadline well in advance (typically July 31 for Kharif, December 31 for Rabi). Contact your state agriculture department for exact dates as they vary by state and crop. Some states have extended deadlines in exceptional years — check pmfby.gov.in.
Claim not received despite crop loss — what to do
Check if you reported the loss within 72 hours of the calamity event. If yes, and claim is still pending after 2 months, check your claim status at pmfby.gov.in → Farmer Corner → Claim Status. Ensure your bank account is active and Aadhaar-linked. If claim is rejected, you can file a grievance at pgportal.gov.in or contact the insurer's district office.
Sum insured seems too low — how is it calculated?
Sum insured for PMFBY is the Financial Scale of Finance (SoF) set by the District Level Technical Committee (DLTC) for each crop in each district. It varies by location and crop. It is not based on your actual input cost but on the district average. If you think the SoF is inadequate, raise this with the state agriculture department through farmer organisations.
Bank auto-enrolled me in PMFBY and deducted premium without consent
Under current rules (post-2020), enrolment is voluntary even for KCC holders. Banks must take your consent before enrolling. If deduction was made without consent, file a complaint with the bank manager and request premium refund. If unresolved, escalate to RBI Banking Ombudsman or state agriculture department.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check my PMFBY policy and claim status online?

Visit pmfby.gov.in → Farmer Corner → 'Application Status' and enter your application reference number or Aadhaar number. For claim status, go to 'Claim Status' and enter your policy number. You can also track via SMS — the system sends updates to your registered mobile number.

What crops are covered under PMFBY?

Coverage varies by state. Typically: food crops (cereals, millets, pulses), oilseeds, annual commercial/horticulture crops. The specific list of notified crops for your district is available at pmfby.gov.in or from your state agriculture department. Not all crops in all districts are notified — check before sowing if you plan to insure.

What does 'Crop Cutting Experiment' (CCE) mean?

CCE is the scientific method PMFBY uses to determine crop yield. Government officials cut crops from selected plots and measure the actual yield. If the actual yield is below the threshold yield set for that area and season, all insured farmers in that unit (village/circle) receive claims proportionally. Individual field assessment is only for localised calamities like hailstorm.

Can sharecroppers apply for PMFBY?

Yes. Sharecroppers and tenant farmers are eligible. You need a valid rent/lease agreement with the landowner OR a self-declaration confirmed by the Patwari or Agriculture Extension Officer. The landowner cannot claim insurance for the same land that a sharecropper has insured — dual insurance is not allowed.

Is PMFBY the same as RWBCIS (Restructured Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme)?

No. PMFBY is yield-based insurance using CCE data. RWBCIS is weather-based — claims are triggered when rainfall, temperature, or other weather parameters cross defined thresholds, without CCE. Both are available in different areas/crops. Your bank or state agriculture department will tell you which scheme covers your crop/area.

Helpline & Support

  • PMFBY Crop Insurance Helpline: 14447 (toll-free)
  • Agriculture Ministry Helpline: 1800-180-1551
  • Official Portal: pmfby.gov.in
  • AIC (Agriculture Insurance Company): aicofindia.com
  • State Agriculture Department: Contact for state-specific crop lists and deadlines

Was this guide helpful?

Your feedback helps us improve guides for all Indians

Disclaimer: NagrikIQ is an informational platform and is not affiliated with any government department. Information provided is for guidance only. Always verify details on the official government portal before taking action.