Secure Your Kharif Crops Now! Enroll in Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) Before July 31

As the Kharif season begins, farmers in India have the opportunity to secure their crops through the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY). Under this government-backed scheme, farmers can insure their crops until July 31, 2023. The official notification for enrollment has been issued, encouraging both loanee and non-loanee farmers to take advantage of the comprehensive insurance program.

This year, the tender for crop insurance has been awarded to three companies in Rajasthan. Kshama General Insurance Limited, Reliance General Insurance Company Limited, and Agriculture Insurance Company of India Limited have been selected to provide coverage for Kharif 2023. Notably, the Agriculture Insurance Company of India Limited, a public company with shares held by institutions like NABARD, adds an element of reliability and trust to the scheme.

Farmers who had insured their crops under PMFBY previously will have their premiums automatically deducted by the bank. To opt-out of the scheme for Kharif-2023, farmers must submit a declaration letter to their respective banks by July 24, 2023. Failure to do so will result in automatic enrollment in the program, ensuring that their crops receive coverage.

Also Read:- Canada-based Man Purchase Tractor Worth Rs 11.5 Lakh to Aid Flood Relief Efforts in Punjab

Deadline 

For farmers seeking crop insurance for the Kharif season and those who wish to make any changes to their insured crop, the deadline to inform the concerned bank is July 29, 2023. The bank will also require a certificate from farmers, stating that they have not sought crop insurance for the same crops from any other financial institution.

Documents Required for Crop Insurance

The process for non-loanee farmers and sharecroppers includes providing ownership papers, certificates, bank account information, Aadhaar card, and a downloaded Jamabandi from the Apna Khata portal. Additionally, documents such as crop sowing declaration, affidavit of sharecropper farmer, domicile certificate of Rajasthan, and Aadhaar card can be used for crop insurance as a non-loanee farmer.

The premium for loanee farmers will be deducted from their loan accounts, while non-loanee and sharecropper farmers can apply for insurance voluntarily through various designated banks, CSCs (Common Service Centers), authorized insurance agents, middlemen, authorized representatives, or the National Crop Insurance Portal (NCIP) of the insurance company. The premium contribution from farmers is only two percent of the total amount, rising to five percent for cotton, with the remainder being funded equally by the central and state governments.

Also Read:- PMKSNY: PM Narendra Modi to Address Public Gathering in Sikar, to Transfer Kisan Samman Nidhi Payments

Things Crop Insurance Covers 

The insured farmers will be covered against damages caused by various factors, including drought, flood, pest and disease, fire, and natural calamities from sowing to harvesting. The state government will conduct assessments to determine the extent of the losses. Additionally, compensation will be provided for damages caused by cyclones, cyclonic rain, untimely rain, and hailstorms to crops kept in the field after harvesting, but this will be applicable only for damage occurring within 14 days after harvesting.

Eligible Crops for Insurance 

For the Kharif season, crops such as cotton, guar, paddy, moong, groundnut, bajra, moth, and sesame will be eligible for insurance coverage. In case of any defects or damages, farmers are required to report the same within 72 days to the toll-free helpline of the respective insurance company or through the Crop Insurance App, Kisan Suvidha App, E-Mitra, or in writing to the bank or Agriculture Department officials within seven days.

With the PMFBY offering a crucial safety net to farmers, they are encouraged to seize this opportunity and secure their crops by enrolling in the scheme before the closing date on July 31, 2023. The initiative aims to safeguard the interests of farmers and promote agricultural prosperity in the country.

Also Read:- Agriculture Ministry Launches BHARAT Campaign for Banks with Rs 7200 Crore Target under Agri Infra Fund