PMFBY Crop Insurance: Coverage, Premium & How to Claim

Updated 2026-07-10 · Government schemes

PMFBY (Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana) is the government crop-insurance scheme that protects farmers against yield loss from natural events — for a very low premium. If drought, flood, pest or a bad storm damages your crop, a claim can save your season. Here is how it works.

What you pay

The farmer’s share of the premium is capped low: a maximum of 2% of the sum insured for Kharif crops, 1.5% for Rabi crops, and 5% for commercial/horticultural crops. The government pays the rest of the actuarial premium.

What is covered

• Yield losses from non-preventable natural risks — drought, dry spells, flood, inundation, pests and diseases, landslides, and natural fire/lightning.
• Localised risks such as hailstorm, landslide and inundation on an individual-field basis.
• Prevented sowing (when you couldn’t sow due to adverse weather) and post-harvest losses for cut-and-spread crops within a set window.

How to enrol

1. Enrolment is voluntary. Apply through the National Crop Insurance Portal (pmfby.gov.in), a bank, a CSC or an insurance agent, before the notified cut-off date for your crop.
2. If you have a crop loan (e.g. KCC), you can opt in or out at the bank.
3. Keep your land record, Aadhaar, bank account and sowing details ready.

How to report a loss and claim

For a localised loss (like hail), report within 72 hours — via the Crop Insurance app, the toll-free number, your bank or the agriculture department. Widespread losses are assessed from crop-cutting experiments and weather data, and approved claims are paid directly to your bank account. Report fast and keep proof (photos, the intimation reference).