Enrol under PM Fasal Bima Yojana by July 31: Maharashtra agriculture minister to farmers

New Delhi, India Jul 4, 2026 ALN: Mumbai: Maharashtra Agriculture Minister Dattatray Bharane has urged farmers to enroll under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) by July 31 to protect themselves against losses caused by natural calamities and adverse weather conditions. The PMFBY, introduced by the Government of India, aims to provide a safety net for farmers, ensuring their financial stability in the face of unpredictable agricultural challenges.

The revised insurance scheme offers financial protection against crop losses due to various factors including natural disasters, unseasonal rain, drought, and other adverse conditions that can severely impact agricultural productivity. As highlighted in a government release, this initiative is particularly crucial given the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events linked to climate change, which pose significant risks to agricultural output. The PMFBY is designed to mitigate the financial hardships faced by farmers when such adverse events occur, thereby ensuring that they can continue their agricultural activities without the fear of total financial ruin.

Under the PMFBY scheme, farmers are eligible for insurance compensation if the average yield of a notified crop in a notified revenue circle falls below the threshold yield. This means that if a farmer's crop yield drops below a certain level due to unforeseen circumstances, they can receive financial compensation to help mitigate their losses and sustain their livelihoods. This feature of the scheme is particularly important in a country like India, where a significant portion of the population relies on agriculture for their livelihood, and where many farmers operate on thin margins.

The scheme covers fourteen Kharif crops, which are primarily grown during the monsoon season in India. These include staple crops such as paddy, jowar, bajra, ragi, moong, urad, tur, maize, groundnut, sesame, soybean, cotton, and onion. The inclusion of a diverse range of crops reflects the government's recognition of the varied agricultural landscape in Maharashtra, where farmers grow a mix of foodgrains, pulses, and commercial crops. By providing coverage for such a wide variety of crops, the PMFBY aims to cater to the needs of different types of farmers, from smallholders to larger commercial operations.

For farmers growing foodgrains, pulses, and oilseeds, the premium to be paid under the scheme is set at 2 percent of the sum insured. Conversely, those cultivating commercial crops, such as cotton and onion, will be required to pay a higher premium of 5 percent. This tiered premium structure is designed to encourage participation while taking into account the different risk profiles associated with various types of crops. The differentiated premium rates also reflect the varying levels of risk involved in cultivating different crops, with commercial crops often being subject to greater market fluctuations and environmental threats.

Enrollment for the PMFBY scheme will remain open until July 31, allowing farmers to register through multiple channels including the National Crop Insurance Portal (NCIP), banks, Common Service Centres (CSCs), and online applications. This accessibility is intended to facilitate widespread participation among farmers, ensuring that those who need the protection the most can easily enroll. The government has made efforts to simplify the enrollment process to encourage maximum participation, recognizing that many farmers may not be familiar with digital platforms.

To successfully avail of the scheme, farmers must meet several eligibility criteria. They are required to possess an AgriStack registration number, which is part of the government's digital initiative to streamline agricultural services. Additionally, they must have land records, a crop sowing declaration, and an Aadhaar-linked bank account. Moreover, farmers must complete a mandatory digital crop survey, which helps in assessing the crop area and yield data accurately. These requirements are aimed at ensuring that the benefits of the scheme reach the intended beneficiaries and that the data collected is reliable for future planning and policy-making.

Minister Bharane emphasized the importance of enrolling in the scheme, stating, "Climate change has increased risks to agriculture, making crop insurance essential for safeguarding farmers' incomes. All eligible farmers should enroll before the deadline." His remarks underline the growing concern regarding the impact of climate change on agriculture and the necessity for farmers to adopt protective measures. The minister's call to action reflects a broader recognition of the urgent need for adaptive strategies in the face of changing climatic conditions that threaten agricultural viability.

However, the minister also issued a stern warning against fraudulent claims, stating that farmers submitting false information to claim benefits would be debarred from Agriculture Department schemes for five years. This measure aims to maintain the integrity of the insurance scheme and ensure that the benefits reach the farmers who genuinely need assistance. The emphasis on combating fraud is critical, as misuse of agricultural insurance schemes can undermine public trust and divert resources away from those who truly need support.

Furthermore, to be eligible for the PMFBY scheme, farmers must have at least 0.10 hectare of land under the notified crop. This requirement is designed to ensure that the scheme targets those who are actively engaged in agricultural activities and can demonstrate a commitment to farming. By setting a minimum landholding requirement, the government aims to focus its resources on those farmers who are most likely to benefit from insurance coverage.

The implications of the PMFBY scheme are significant for the agricultural sector in Maharashtra. Given the state’s vulnerability to a range of climatic challenges, including erratic monsoon patterns and increasing instances of drought, the availability of crop insurance can play a pivotal role in stabilizing farmers' incomes. By providing a safety net, the scheme not only helps individual farmers but also contributes to the overall resilience of rural communities. In a state where agriculture is a primary source of income for millions, the PMFBY can help to reduce the shocks that often accompany natural disasters, thereby promoting long-term sustainability and growth in the agricultural sector.

In addition, the PMFBY aligns with broader government initiatives aimed at enhancing agricultural sustainability and promoting the welfare of farmers. As the agricultural landscape continues to evolve, with shifts in climate patterns and market dynamics, programs like the PMFBY are essential for ensuring that farmers can adapt and thrive in an increasingly uncertain environment. The scheme also reflects a growing recognition of the need for comprehensive agricultural policies that not only address immediate concerns but also lay the groundwork for future resilience.

As the July 31 deadline approaches, it is crucial for farmers to take proactive steps to enroll in the scheme. The government’s ongoing outreach efforts, including awareness campaigns and support from local agricultural offices, are vital in encouraging participation and ensuring that farmers are well-informed about the benefits and requirements of the PMFBY. These outreach initiatives are essential for bridging the information gap that often exists in rural areas, where access to information can be limited.

In conclusion, the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana represents a significant step forward in protecting the interests of farmers in Maharashtra. By enrolling in the scheme, farmers can safeguard their livelihoods against the unpredictable nature of agriculture, thereby fostering a more resilient agricultural sector capable of withstanding the challenges posed by climate change and other external factors. The call to action from Minister Bharane serves as a timely reminder of the importance of collective efforts in strengthening the agricultural framework in the state. As farmers navigate the complexities of modern agriculture, initiatives like the PMFBY provide essential support, helping to ensure that they can continue to produce food and sustain their families in the face of uncertainty.