Crop insurance (PMFBY): when and how to enrol

In a year when El Niño raises the risk of dry spells and heat, crop insurance is one of the few tools that protects income. Here is how the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) works, from the government's own summary.

What you pay. The farmer's premium is capped at 2% of the sum insured for kharif foodgrain and oilseed crops, 1.5% for rabi foodgrain and oilseed crops, and 5% for commercial and horticultural crops. The Centre and the state pay the rest (90:10 in northeastern and Himalayan states, 50:50 elsewhere).

What is covered.

• Yield loss in a notified area from drought, dry spells, floods, cyclones, pests and diseases.
• Prevented sowing because of bad weather: claims up to 25% of the sum insured.
• Localised damage on your own farm from hailstorms, landslides, inundation, cloudbursts and natural fire.
• Harvested crops left to dry in the field, for up to 14 days, against cyclonic and unseasonal rain.

Who can enrol. Farmers with crop loans are usually enrolled through their bank, which deducts the premium. Others can join voluntarily, including tenant farmers and sharecroppers, subject to state rules on documents.

When. You must apply within the timeframe your state notifies for the rabi season. Check the date with your bank, an insurance intermediary or pmfby.gov.in.

Help. The Krishi Rakshak helpline, 14447, takes questions and complaints about crop insurance. Bihar rejoins the scheme from Rabi 2026–27.

Join the El Niño help room on soshyal.com to ask questions and share what you see in your area.