Overview of PMFBY Revamped Guidelines
The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) was launched starting from Kharif 2016 to offer comprehensive crop insurance against non-preventable natural risks from pre-sowing to post-harvest stages. Following extensive stakeholder consultations, revised operational guidelines were approved by the Union Cabinet and brought into effect from Kharif 2020. The framework aims to enhance transparency, minimize manual interventions, and introduce auto-administration through advanced technology.
Objective of the Scheme
The scheme intends to support sustainable agricultural production through multiple measures:
- Providing financial support to farmers experiencing crop damage from unforeseen events.
- Stabilizing farmers' incomes to ensure their continued involvement in farming.
- Encouraging the adoption of innovative and modern agricultural practices.
- Ensuring creditworthiness, promoting crop diversification, and strengthening the growth and competitiveness of the agricultural sector.
Technology Integration and NCIP
A cornerstone of the revamped guidelines is the mandatory use of the National Crop Insurance Portal (NCIP) at www.pmfby.gov.in. State governments, insurance companies, and financial institutions are required to digitize and upload basic notifications, notified areas, crops, sum insured details, and premium subsidies onto the portal. Separate state portals are disallowed, and data integration is enforced to enable seamless reporting.
Furthermore, participating banks and financial institutions must electronically transfer individual farmer data directly to the NCIP. Insurance companies are barred from using separate proformas or web portals to collect insured farmer details independently.
Yield Estimation and Technology-Driven Solutions
The guidelines introduce advanced technological interventions such as satellite imagery, drones, and smartphone applications for crop health monitoring, acreage estimation, and damage assessment. Technology-derived yield calculations are automatically triggered if required Crop Cutting Experiments (CCEs) are not conducted at the appropriate insurance unit level, if submitted yield data is disputed, or if state nodal departments fail to submit required data based on CCE apps within specified timelines.
Key Compliance Points for Stakeholders
- Only farmers whose data is uploaded to the NCIP and whose share of premium is remitted within the prescribed timeframe are eligible for insurance coverage.
- Insurance companies must utilize mobile applications and technology for monitoring and reporting crop losses in coordination with state agencies.
- State governments must provide digital land records and APIs for seamless farmer validation on the portal free of cost.
Important Dates
| Label | Date |
|---|---|
| Effective from | Kharif 2020 |
| Revised guidelines effective date | 01st Oct 2018 |
Eligibility
- Farmers growing notified crops in notified areas
- Farmers whose data is uploaded on the NCIP
- Farmers who have remitted their share of premium within the prescribed time limit
How to Apply
- Approach bank branches, Primary Agriculture Credit Societies (PACS), Common Service Centres (CSCs), or Banking Correspondents (BCs) for enrollment.
- Ensure your details and land records are correctly mapped and uploaded on the National Crop Insurance Portal (NCIP).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the official web portal for the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana?
The official web portal is the National Crop Insurance Portal (NCIP) located at www.pmfby.gov.in.
From which crop season are the revamped PMFBY operational guidelines effective?
The revamped operational guidelines are effective from Kharif 2020.
Are insurance companies allowed to collect insured farmers' details through separate portals?
No, insurance companies shall not distribute, collect, or allow any other proforma, utility, or web portal for collecting details of insured farmers separately.
Which ministry administers the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana?
It is administered by the Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers Welfare, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India.
What is required for a farmer to be eligible for insurance coverage under PMFBY?
Only farmers whose data is uploaded on the NCIP and whose share of premium has been remitted to the concerned insurance company within the prescribed time limit shall be eligible.
Official Links
Details are compiled from official notices. Always confirm eligibility, dates and fees on the official website before applying. Jankari Portal never charges any fee.