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Documents Required for PMFBY Application

Whether applying online or offline, farmers need to prepare the following documents:

• Identity Proof: Aadhaar card (mandatory for online applications, as it must be linked to a mobile number).
• Address Proof: Any government-issued document like a Voter ID or ration card.
• Land Documents: For landowners: Land Possession Certificate (LPC), Record of Rights (ROR), Khasra Number, or Khata Number.
• For tenant/sharecropper farmers: Tenancy agreement with the landowner, including Khasra/Khata Number.
• Sowing Certificate: A document signed by a Patwari, Sarpanch, or village Pradhan confirming the crop sown (requirements may vary by state).
• Bank Details: Bank passbook or canceled cheque for Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) of claims.
• Crop Details: Information on the crop type, area sown (in hectares), and season (Kharif or Rabi).
• Mobile Number and Email ID: Required for online applications to receive updates and OTP verification.

Application Process for Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) 2025

The PMFBY allows farmers to apply for crop insurance through both online and offline modes, making it accessible to farmers across India, including those in rural areas with limited internet access. The process is designed to be straightforward, with provisions for both loanee farmers (those with crop loans or Kisan Credit Cards) and non-loanee farmers. Below, we outline the detailed steps for each method.

Online Application Process for PMFBY 2025

The online application process is facilitated through the official PMFBY portal (pmfby.gov.in) and is ideal for non-loanee farmers or those comfortable with digital platforms. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Visit the Official PMFBY Portal:

• Go to the official website: pmfby.gov.in.
• Ensure you have a stable internet connection and a device (smartphone, laptop, or desktop).

Access the Farmer Corner:

• On the homepage, locate the “Farmer Corner – Apply for Crop Insurance by Yourself” section and click on it.
• Alternatively, you can find the direct link for farmer registration under the “Guest Farmer” tab.

Register as a New User:

• Click on “Guest Farmer” to open the registration form.

Fill in the required details:

• Farmer Details: Name, Aadhaar number (verified via OTP), and mobile number (linked to Aadhaar).
• Residential Details: State, district, block, and village.
• Farmer ID: Aadhaar number for verification.
• Bank Account Details: Account number, IFSC code, and bank name.
• Captcha Code: Enter the code displayed on the screen.
• Click “Create User” to complete the registration process.

Log In and Complete the Application:

• After registration, log in using your registered mobile number and password.

Fill out the crop insurance application form, including:

• Crop details (type, season, and area sown in hectares).
• Land details (Khasra/Khata Number or tenancy agreement).
• Upload scanned copies of required documents (Aadhaar, bank passbook, sowing certificate, and land records).

Calculate and Pay the Premium:

Use the Insurance Premium Calculator on the portal:

• Go to the homepage and click “Insurance Premium Calculator.”
• Enter details like crop season (Kharif/Rabi), year, state, district, crop type, and farm area.
• Click “Calculate” to view the premium amount (2% for Kharif, 1.5% for Rabi, 5% for commercial/horticultural crops).
• Pay the premium online using net banking, debit/credit card, or UPI.

Note: The remaining premium is subsidized by the government.

Submit the Application:

• Review all details, submit the application, and download the acknowledgment receipt or application form.
• Save the receipt or print a copy for future reference, as it includes the Application Number needed for tracking or filing claims.

Track Application Status:

• Return to the PMFBY portal and click “Application Status – Know Your Application Status on Every Step.”
• Enter your Application Number and captcha code, then click “Check Status” to monitor your application.

Additional Tools:

• Download the Crop Insurance App from the Google Play Store (search for “Crop Insurance”) to manage registration, premium calculations, and claim reporting.
• Use the PMFBY WhatsApp Chatbot (available on the official website) to access policy documents, premium details, and helpline services.

Offline Application Process for PMFBY 2025

The offline application process is designed for farmers who prefer in-person submission or lack access to digital platforms. It can be done through banks, Common Service Centers (CSCs), or insurance company offices. Here’s a detailed guide:

Visit an Authorized Institution:

Approach any of the following:

• Nationalized Commercial Banks, Cooperative Banks, or Regional Rural Banks: These are authorized to process PMFBY applications.
• Common Service Centers (CSCs): Locate a nearby CSC through the CSC Locator on pmfby.gov.in.
• Insurance Company Offices: Contact empanelled insurance companies listed on the PMFBY portal.

Obtain the Application Form:

• Request the PMFBY application form from the bank, CSC, or insurance office.
• Some institutions may provide a pre-filled form for loanee farmers, as their details are linked to crop loans or KCC.

Fill Out the Application Form:

Provide accurate details, including:

• Personal information (name, Aadhaar number, mobile number).
• Crop details (type, season, and area sown).
• Land details (Khasra/Khata Number or tenancy agreement).
• Bank account details for claim transfers.

Ensure all information matches the supporting documents.

Submit Required Documents:

Attach physical copies of:

• Aadhaar card.
• Bank passbook or canceled cheque.
• Sowing certificate (signed by Patwari, Sarpanch, or village Pradhan).
• Land documents (LPC, ROR, or tenancy agreement).
• Requirements for the sowing certificate may vary by state; check with the bank or CSC for state-specific guidelines.

Pay the Premium:

• The bank or CSC will calculate the premium based on the crop type (2% for Kharif, 1.5% for Rabi, 5% for commercial/horticultural crops).
• Pay the premium in cash or through bank transfer, as applicable.
• For loanee farmers, the premium may be deducted directly from their crop loan account.

Receive Acknowledgment:

• After submission, the bank or CSC will provide an acknowledgment receipt with an Application Number.
• Keep this receipt safe, as it is required for tracking the application status or filing claims.

Follow-Up:

• Visit the bank or CSC to check the status of your application, using the Application Number.
• Alternatively, check the status online at pmfby.gov.in by entering the Application Number under the “Application Status” section.

Key Differences Between Online and Offline Processes

Benefits of PMFBY

The PMFBY offers numerous benefits to farmers:

• Financial Protection: Shields farmers from losses due to natural disasters, pests, diseases, and post-harvest risks.
• Income Stability: Prevents financial distress, enabling farmers to recover and continue farming.
• Encourages Innovation: Promotes the adoption of modern farming practices and technologies.
• Credit Access: Facilitates agricultural loans, supporting food security and crop diversification.
• Timely Compensation: Technology-driven claim settlements ensure quick payouts, often within two months of harvest.
• Nationwide Reach: Covers a wide range of crops and risks, benefiting both loanee and non-loanee farmers.

Achievements of PMFBY

By 2025, PMFBY has achieved significant milestones:

• Expansive Coverage: Over 55% of coverage in 2023-24 was for non-loanee farmers, indicating voluntary acceptance.
• Massive Claim Payouts: Disbursed ₹1.70 lakh crore in claims over eight years, supporting millions of farmers.
• Technology Integration: Adoption of remote sensing, drones, and AI has reduced delays in claim settlements.
• Inclusion of Localized Risks: Covers isolated events like hailstorms and landslides, addressing farmers’ specific needs.

Challenges and Failures

Despite its successes, PMFBY faces several challenges:

• Exclusion Errors: Lack of clarity in selecting major crops leads to the exclusion of farmers growing non-notified crops.
• Incomplete Coverage: Does not cover price risks or market shocks, limiting its scope.
• Delays in Claims: Insufficient trained professionals for crop-cutting experiments and unreliable technology cause delays.
• State Withdrawals: States like Gujarat, Bihar, and West Bengal have opted out due to high premium subsidy costs.
• Low Awareness: A CAG report noted that two-thirds of farmers were unaware of the scheme.
• Grievance Redressal Gaps: Only 15 states/UTs have notified Grievance Redressal Committees as mandated.

Way Forward

To address these challenges, several measures are recommended:

• State-Level Improvements: Increase funding for rural infrastructure and technology adoption to enhance implementation.
• Insurance Company Accountability: Enforce strict timelines for claim settlements and introduce competitive products.
• Awareness Campaigns: Launch mandatory programs via radio, campaigns, and farmer meetings to boost awareness.
• Holistic Approach: Combine PMFBY with efforts in irrigation, soil conservation, and public delivery systems.
• Technology Expansion: Scale up YES-TECH and WINDS nationwide to eliminate manual processes and improve accuracy.

Conclusion

The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana in 2025 stands as a robust mechanism to safeguard Indian farmers from the vagaries of nature and market uncertainties. With a massive budget, technological innovations, and a focus on transparency, the scheme is poised to strengthen agricultural resilience. However, addressing challenges like low awareness, state withdrawals, and incomplete risk coverage is crucial to realizing its full potential. By empowering farmers with financial security and promoting sustainable practices, PMFBY continues to be a beacon of hope for India’s agrarian community, ensuring their livelihoods are protected in an era of climate unpredictability.

FAQs: Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) 2025

Q. What is the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)?

The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), launched in 2016 by the Government of India, is a crop insurance scheme designed to provide financial protection to farmers against crop losses caused by natural calamities like droughts, floods, hailstorms, cyclones, as well as pests, diseases, and post-harvest losses. Administered by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, it aims to stabilize farmers’ incomes, promote sustainable agricultural practices, and ensure credit flow to the agriculture sector. With a budget of ₹69,515.71 crore until 2025-26, PMFBY has disbursed over ₹1.70 lakh crore in claims, benefiting millions of farmers across India.

Q. Who is eligible to enroll in PMFBY?

Farmers, including landowners, tenant farmers, and sharecroppers, growing notified crops in areas designated by state governments are eligible for PMFBY. They must have an insurable interest in the crop, supported by valid land ownership documents or tenancy agreements. Loanee farmers with Crop Loans or Kisan Credit Cards (KCC) are automatically enrolled unless they opt out, while non-loanee farmers can apply voluntarily by providing required documents like Aadhaar, land records, and sowing certificates. Farmers who have received compensation from other sources for the same crop loss are not eligible.

Q. What crops are covered under PMFBY?

PMFBY provides insurance coverage for a wide range of crops, including food crops such as rice, wheat, and millets, oilseeds like groundnut and mustard, and commercial or horticultural crops such as cotton, sugarcane, fruits, and vegetables. The crops must be officially notified by the state government for coverage in specific areas, typically at the village or panchayat level. Farmers should check with their state’s agriculture department or the PMFBY portal to confirm which crops are covered in their region.

Q. What risks are covered under PMFBY?

The scheme offers comprehensive risk coverage from pre-sowing to post-harvest stages. It includes losses due to prevented sowing caused by adverse weather, standing crop failures from natural calamities like floods, droughts, cyclones, or hailstorms, and post-harvest losses within 14 days of harvest due to cyclonic rains, hailstorms, or landslides. Additionally, PMFBY covers localized calamities like inundation or cloudbursts affecting isolated farms, as well as losses from uncontrollable pests and diseases. In select areas, losses due to wild animal attacks are also covered, subject to state notification.

Q. What are the premium rates for PMFBY?

Under PMFBY, farmers pay affordable premium rates: 2% of the sum insured for Kharif crops, 1.5% for Rabi crops, and 5% for commercial or horticultural crops. The Central and State Governments subsidize the remaining premium, with no upper limit on the subsidy to ensure affordability. For Northeastern states, the Central Government covers 90% of the premium subsidy, making the scheme highly accessible. Farmers can use the Insurance Premium Calculator on the PMFBY portal to estimate their contribution based on crop type and area.

Q. Is PMFBY mandatory for farmers?

Since 2020, PMFBY has been voluntary for all farmers, including those with Crop Loans or Kisan Credit Cards (KCC). Loanee farmers are automatically enrolled through their banks, with premiums deducted from their loan accounts, but they can opt out by submitting a written request to their bank before the enrollment deadline (e.g., July 31, 2025, for Kharif crops). Non-loanee farmers can choose to enroll voluntarily, either online or offline, making the scheme flexible and farmer-friendly.

Q. How can farmers apply for PMFBY?

Farmers can apply for PMFBY through online or offline modes. For the online process, visit pmfby.gov.in, register in the “Farmer Corner” using Aadhaar and a linked mobile number, fill out the application with crop and land details, upload documents (Aadhaar, land records, bank details, sowing certificate), and pay the premium via net banking, UPI, or cards. Offline, farmers can visit authorized banks, Common Service Centers (CSCs), or insurance company offices, submit physical copies of documents, and pay the premium in cash or through bank transfer. Both methods require adherence to deadlines, such as July 31, 2025, for Kharif crops.

Q. What documents are required to apply for PMFBY?

To apply for PMFBY, farmers need to submit identity proof (Aadhaar card, mandatory for online applications), address proof (e.g., Voter ID), land documents (Land Possession Certificate, Record of Rights, or tenancy agreement for tenant farmers), a sowing certificate signed by a Patwari, Sarpanch, or village Pradhan (requirements vary by state), and bank details (passbook or canceled cheque) for claim transfers. For online applications, scanned copies of these documents are uploaded, while offline applications require physical copies to be submitted at banks or CSCs.

Q. How can farmers calculate their premium under PMFBY?

Farmers can calculate their premium using the Insurance Premium Calculator on the PMFBY portal (pmfby.gov.in). By entering details such as crop season (Kharif or Rabi), year, state, district, crop type, and area sown (in hectares), the tool displays the farmer’s premium contribution (2% for Kharif, 1.5% for Rabi, or 5% for commercial crops). For example, for a 1-hectare rice field with a sum insured of ₹40,000 in the Kharif season, the farmer pays ₹800 (2%), with the government subsidizing the rest.

Q. How do farmers file a claim under PMFBY?

In case of crop loss, farmers must report the damage within 72 hours of the event to the Agriculture Department, insurance company, or via the PMFBY portal, Crop Insurance App, or Krishi Rakshak Helpline (14447). They need to provide the Application Number, details of the loss, and supporting evidence (e.g., photos or local verification). Claims are assessed using an Area Approach (village/panchayat level) or technology like remote sensing and drones. Compensation is directly transferred to the farmer’s bank account within two months of harvest, subject to verification.

Q. What is the role of technology in PMFBY?

PMFBY leverages advanced technologies to enhance efficiency and transparency. The Yield Estimation System using Technology (YES-TECH) uses remote sensing, drones, and AI for accurate yield estimation, reducing reliance on manual crop-cutting experiments. The Weather Information and Network Data Systems (WINDS) installs Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) and Automatic Rain Gauges (ARGs) at block and panchayat levels for hyper-local weather data. These technologies, supported by a ₹824.77 crore Fund for Innovation and Technology (FIAT), ensure faster and more accurate claim settlements.

Q. How can farmers track their PMFBY application status?

Farmers can track their application status on the PMFBY portal (pmfby.gov.in) by visiting the “Application Status” section under the Farmer Corner. They need to enter their Application Number (received during registration) and a captcha code, then click “Check Status” to view updates. Alternatively, farmers can use the Crop Insurance App or contact the Krishi Rakshak Helpline (14447). For offline applications, farmers can follow up with their bank or Common Service Center (CSC) using the acknowledgment receipt.

Q. What is the Krishi Rakshak Portal and Helpline?

The Krishi Rakshak Portal and Helpline (toll-free: 14447) is a grievance redressal mechanism introduced to enhance transparency and support farmers. It allows farmers to file complaints, seek clarifications, or report issues related to enrollment, premium payments, or claim settlements. The portal also provides real-time updates and access to policy documents. Additionally, District and State Grievance Redressal Committees (DGRC and SGRC) address disputes, ensuring timely resolution for farmers.

Q. What happens if an insurance company delays claim payments?

To ensure timely claim settlements, PMFBY mandates that insurance companies pay claims within two months of harvest, subject to verification. In 2025, a 12% interest penalty was introduced for companies delaying payments beyond this period. Farmers facing delays can report the issue via the Krishi Rakshak Helpline (14447), the PMFBY portal’s “Technical Grievance” section, or by emailing help.agri-insurance@gov.in. This penalty ensures accountability and protects farmers’ financial interests.