PMFBY: Farmers Can Insure Rabi Crops by December 31 – All You Need to Know

Key Highlights

• Farmers can insure Rabi crops under PMFBY till December 31, 2024.
• Affordable premiums: 1.5% for Rabi crops, 5% for commercial crops.
• Registration available via banks, CSCs, or National Insurance Portal.
• Indebted farmers are automatically enrolled unless they opt out by December 24, 2024.
• Covers crop losses due to natural calamities from sowing to harvesting.

Farmers across India can now secure insurance for their Rabi crops under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY). This scheme protects farmers from financial losses caused by natural disasters or other unforeseen events that damage their crops. Here's everything you need to know about the insurance process, deadlines, and requirements.

Also Read: Rabi Crop Sowing Crosses 428 Lakh Hectares: A Strong Start to 2024-25 Season

Key Deadline: December 31, 2024

Farmers in Rajasthan and other states can register for crop insurance under PMFBY until December 31, 2024. The scheme applies to all 33 districts in Rajasthan. Farmers with crop loans, non-loanee farmers, and sharecroppers are eligible to participate.

Opt-Out Option for Indebted Farmers

Indebted farmers who do not wish to enroll in the scheme can opt out by submitting a written request to their bank or financial institution by December 24, 2024. However, farmers with approved short-term crop loans will automatically be enrolled through their bank or cooperative society unless they opt out.

Insurance Companies Assigned for Rajasthan Districts

Crop insurance under PMFBY is handled by different companies depending on the district:

• Reliance General Insurance Company Limited: Bharatpur, Churu, Rajsamand, Jalore, Dungarpur, Tonk, Karauli.
• Kshema General Insurance Limited: Sriganganagar, Alwar, Bundi.
• Agriculture Insurance Company of India Limited: Remaining districts including Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, and Bikaner.

Also Read: Rajasthan Government Approves Construction of 35 Onion Storage Structures

How to Get Rabi Crops Insured

Farmers can insure their crops in the following ways:

1. Indebted Farmers: Will be automatically insured through their bank or cooperative society if no opt-out request is submitted.
2. Non-Indebted Farmers: Can register through their nearest Citizen Service Center (CSC) or a bank.
3. Sharecropper Farmers: Need to submit land details, an affidavit from the account holder, and proof of residency and identity (such as Aadhaar card).

Farmers can also register directly through the National Insurance Portal or with an authorized insurance agent.

Documents Required

To apply for crop insurance, farmers need the following:

• Land ownership documents (e.g., latest land jamabandi).
• Bank passbook.
• Aadhaar card.
• Other supporting documents (e.g., proof of sharecropping if applicable).

Premium Rates for Rabi Crops

Farmers need to pay a minimal premium under PMFBY:

• Gram Crop: Insured amount is ₹68,953 per hectare; premium is ₹1,034.30 per hectare.
• Wheat Crop: The insured amount is ₹47,110 per hectare; the premium is ₹706.65 per hectare.
• Mango (Horticulture): The insured amount is ₹1,12,000 per hectare; the premium is 5% of the insured amount.

Raising Awareness

Efforts are being made to inform farmers about PMFBY through WhatsApp groups, Facebook pages, Kisan Goshthi meetings, and night-time gatherings (Ratri Chaupal).

Why PMFBY is Important

The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana ensures that farmers receive compensation for losses caused by natural calamities such as drought, floods, hailstorms, and other risks from sowing to harvesting. Farmers can secure their livelihood by paying a small premium and reducing the financial burden caused by crop failure.

Farmers are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity and protect their crops before the December 31 deadline.

Also Read: Himachal Farmers to Earn Rs 300 per Quintal for Organic Manure

CMV360 Says

PMFBY is a lifeline for farmers, offering financial security against crop losses caused by natural calamities. With affordable premiums and easy registration, farmers should ensure their Rabi crops are insured by December 31, 2024. This scheme protects livelihoods and promotes resilience, making it a crucial step toward sustainable agriculture and economic stability for India’s farming community.