Government Simplifies PM Fasal Bima Yojana with Panchayat-Level Premium Deposits and Faster Claims

Key Highlights

• Panchayat-level premium deposits replace block office visits.
• Remote sensing technology for accurate crop damage assessment.
• New Digiclaim portal for complaint registration and monitoring.
• Faster insurance claim process with reduced delays.

The government is making efforts to simplify the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) to ensure that the scheme benefits as many farmers as possible. In a significant move, the crop insurance premium will now be deposited through the Panchayat, eliminating the need for farmers to visit the block office. This change aims to streamline the process, making it easier for farmers to claim insurance in case of crop loss, and ensuring quicker access to compensation.

Implementation at Gram Panchayat Level

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan recently announced that the PMFBY will now be implemented at the Gram Panchayat level. The insurance amount will be paid directly at this level, enhancing the efficiency of compensation payments to farmers who suffer crop losses. This move is expected to bring the scheme closer to the grassroots, making it more accessible to farmers.

Crop Damage Assessment with Remote Sensing Technology

To further enhance the effectiveness of the PMFBY, crop damage due to natural disasters will now be assessed using remote sensing technology. This modern approach replaces the traditional Nazari survey, providing more accurate and timely damage assessments. Additionally, a new portal named Digiclaim has been introduced, allowing farmers to register complaints and enabling effective monitoring of these issues.

Faster Premium Payment Process

The Agriculture Minister emphasized that delays in premium payments at the block level were a common issue. By transferring this responsibility to the Gram Panchayat, the process is expected to speed up. The Central Government has also taken steps to address delays by state governments in releasing premium subsidies. For example, the Tamil Nadu Government has been requested to release the premium subsidy amount within a month, failing which insurance companies will be required to pay 18% interest to farmers on the delayed amount.

Three Models of Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana

The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana offers three different models, allowing state governments to choose the one that best suits their priorities. As of now, the scheme has covered 5.98 lakh hectares of land and benefited 3.97 crore farmers. The government has taken several measures to simplify the scheme, ensuring that farmers can easily access its benefits.

Key Details About the PMFBY

1. Premium Rates: Under the PMFBY, farmers pay a 1.5% insurance premium for Rabi crops, 2% for Kharif crops, and 5% for commercial or horticultural crops. The remaining premium is covered by the central and state governments.
2. Benefits to Farmers: Since its launch in 2016, farmers have paid a total premium of ₹32,440 crore. In return, they have received insurance claims worth ₹1.64 lakh crore, which is five times the premium amount they paid.
3. Kharif Crop Insurance Deadline: Farmers can insure their Kharif crops for 2024 until August 16, 2024. The government extended the deadline from July 31 to encourage more farmers to participate in the scheme. To apply for crop insurance, farmers need an Aadhar card, a copy of their bank passbook, and land-related documents. Applications can be made online through the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Portal at PMFBY Portal, at Public Service Centers, or nearby bank branches.

Also Read: Government Offers ₹4,000 Assistance for Paddy Cultivation: How to Avail the Benefit

CMV360 Says

The government's enhancements to the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, including Panchayat-level premium deposits and modern technology for crop assessment, aim to make the scheme more accessible and efficient for farmers. These changes are expected to expedite insurance claims, providing timely financial relief to farmers in times of need.