Strengthening Farmer Security through the Updated PMFBY Framework

Revised Framework Rollout

Strengthening Farmer Security through the Updated PMFBY Framework: The government has introduced a strengthened framework for Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), scheduled for implementation from Kharif 2026. The revised model aims to offer more comprehensive crop protection and faster claim processes. It enhances clarity on localised risks and gives states more autonomy in defining vulnerable areas.

A major focus of the update is improving the accuracy of risk coverage. The additions respond to long-standing farmer demands for broader protection against emerging climate and wildlife challenges.

New Risk Coverage Enhancements

A significant reform is the inclusion of crop loss due to wild animal attacks as the 5th add-on cover under localised risks. This allows farmers in high-incidence areas to secure compensation for damages previously left uncovered. States will notify the list of specific wild animals based on historical records.

Paddy inundation, which was removed as a recognised calamity cover in 2018, has now been reinstated. This ensures that farmers in flood-prone regions have guaranteed protection during heavy rainfall spells.
Static GK fact: India has over 4 crore hectares of flood-prone land, making inundation protection vital.

Strengthening the Role of States

The revised framework gives state governments the authority to map vulnerable districts. These assessments will use historical crop-damage data, wildlife activity patterns, and local climate indicators. It ensures that risk categories are better aligned with regional agricultural realities.

States will also tailor localised coverages depending on their unique agro-climatic conditions. This step strengthens cooperative federalism in crop insurance implementation.

Mandatory Reporting Requirements

Farmers must now report crop losses within 72 hours through the official crop insurance application. The submission must include geo-tagged photographs as proof. This digital reporting mechanism improves transparency and speeds up claim verification.

The system also reduces dependency on manual field inspections.
Static GK Tip: India has over 50% smartphone penetration in rural areas, enabling faster digital grievance redressal.

Broader Risk Protection Framework

PMFBY continues to offer extensive protection across all stages of crop development. Prevented sowing provisions support farmers affected by deficit rainfall during early cropping periods. Standing crop cover safeguards against drought, floods, dry spells, and inundation.

Post-harvest loss protection remains available for up to two weeks for field-dried produce against hailstorms, cyclones, and unseasonal rain. Localised calamity coverage also includes hailstorms and landslides. States may further activate optional wildlife damage coverage depending on local needs.

Key Features of PMFBY

Launched in 2016 by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, PMFBY is a Central Sector Scheme designed to stabilise farmer income and promote modern agricultural practices. It is open to all farmers, including tenant and sharecroppers growing notified crops.

Farmers pay a subsidised premium: 2% for Kharif, 1.5% for Rabi, and 5% for commercial and horticultural crops. The remaining premium is shared equally by the Centre and States, except in North-Eastern and Himalayan states, where the ratio is 90:10.
Static GK fact: India is the second-largest producer of fruits and vegetables globally, making horticultural insurance essential.

Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table

Strengthening Farmer Security through the Updated PMFBY Framework: