The risk of crop damage increases during the Kharif season due to heavy rainfall, floods, waterlogging, hailstorms, pests and diseases. For farmers, crop insurance under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) can provide financial protection against eligible risks. In Uttar Pradesh, the deadline for crop insurance and premium payment for Kharif crops has been extended. Farmers are advised not to wait until the last date and to complete the insurance process within the applicable deadline.
According to the Uttar Pradesh Agriculture Department, the deadline for completing the insurance process for Kharif crops under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana and the Restructured Weather-Based Crop Insurance Scheme has been set as August 31, 2026. For non-loanee farmers, the reported enrolment deadline is August 14, 2026. Farmers should verify the applicable deadline for their category and crop before completing the enrolment and premium payment process.
The primary objective of PMFBY is to provide financial protection to eligible farmers against crop losses caused by specified natural risks and other covered events. During the Kharif season, crops may be affected by excess rainfall, deficient rainfall, floods, waterlogging, hailstorms, cyclones, natural fires, pests and diseases. Subject to the scheme's applicable provisions and conditions, farmers may receive insurance benefits for losses caused by covered risks.
Crop insurance is not limited to damage to standing crops. Under specified circumstances, the scheme also provides coverage for Prevented Sowing, where farmers are unable to sow the insured crop because of adverse weather conditions or inadequate rainfall. Farmers should check the applicable provisions, notified crops and local conditions to determine whether this coverage applies to their situation.
Crop protection under the scheme can also extend to certain post-harvest losses. Under applicable provisions, harvested produce kept in the field for up to 14 days after harvesting may be covered against specified events such as cyclones and unseasonal rainfall. This provision can provide financial support when harvested crops suffer damage because of sudden adverse weather conditions after harvesting.
Crop Damaged? Report the Loss within 72 Hours:
Timely reporting is crucial when an insured crop suffers damage due to a covered event. Farmers should report the loss within 72 hours, as applicable, to the concerned insurance company, through the Crop Insurance App, the 14447 helpline, or the Agriculture Department. Prompt reporting helps initiate the crop-loss assessment and claim-related process according to the applicable scheme guidelines. Farmers should therefore avoid delays in reporting crop damage.
Farmers Should Not Wait Until the Last Date:
Weather-related risks can significantly affect Kharif crops, making timely crop insurance an important risk-management measure for eligible farmers. Farmers in Uttar Pradesh should check their crop, location, farmer category and applicable notification before completing the enrolment and premium payment process.
FAQs:
1. What is the last date for Kharif Crop Insurance in Uttar Pradesh?
The deadline for the insurance process has been reported as August 31, 2026, while non-loanee farmers should verify the applicable enrolment deadline.
2. What risks are covered under Kharif Crop Insurance?
Coverage can include specified risks such as floods, excessive rainfall, hailstorms, cyclones, pests and diseases, subject to scheme conditions.
3. What is the 72-hour crop-loss reporting rule?
Farmers should report crop damage within 72 hours, as applicable, after a covered event to initiate the assessment and claim process.
4. Does crop insurance cover prevented sowing?
Yes, Prevented Sowing may be covered under specified conditions when adverse weather prevents sowing of an insured crop.
5. Is post-harvest crop damage covered?
Under applicable provisions, harvested produce kept in the field for up to 14 days may receive limited protection against specified weather-related risks.
