PM Fasal Bima Yojana: Farmers to Receive Compensation Even After Harvest, Timely Reporting Essential

To ensure the income stability and crop security of farmers, the Central Government has launched several welfare schemes. Among these, the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) stands out as a crucial protective shield for farmers’ crops.

This scheme, farmers are eligible to receive compensation for crop losses caused by natural disasters. Notably, even if the damage occurs after the harvest, farmers can still claim insurance benefits — provided they report the loss within the stipulated time on the designated portal or to the concerned department.

When Is Post-Harvest Compensation Applicable?

According to Sardar Mal Yadav, Joint Director (Agriculture Extension), Zila Parishad, farmers are eligible for compensation even after harvest, in cases where crops are damaged due to hailstorms, cyclones, waterlogging, or unseasonal rainfall. The claim amount is determined based on individual field assessment.

How Farmers Can Claim Post-Harvest Loss Compensation:

If crop damage occurs within 14 days of harvest, farmers can claim insurance based on a personal field survey conducted by the authorities. This provision is implemented as per the official guidelines of PM Fasal Bima Yojana.

How and Where to Report Crop Damage:

Farmers must report the loss within 72 hours of the incident. They can do so through any of the following channels:

1. Report online via the Kisan Rakshak Portal (managed by the Government of India)
2. Call the helpline number 14447
3. Submit a written report to the nearest bank branch, agriculture officer, patwari, insurance representative, or tehsil office

Farmers are also required to fill out a Loss Report Form and submit it to the agriculture office. Failure to report within the given time limit will result in loss of claim eligibility.

Insurance Claim Process:

Once the loss is reported, a joint team from the insurance company and agriculture department conducts an on-site survey to assess the extent of damage. After verification, the claim amount is transferred directly to the farmer’s bank account.

The Agriculture Department has instructed its field staff and insurance representatives to take prompt action on farmers’ reports and complete the survey process on priority.

Important Guidelines for Farmers:

1. Only registered farmers under PMFBY are eligible to claim insurance.
2. Do not delay reporting — late submissions may lead to rejection of claims.
3. Contact the helpline 14447 or the nearest agriculture office immediately.

Keep your insurance policy number, Aadhaar card, bank details, and crop information ready.

About the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY):

Launched in 2016, the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana aims to provide financial protection to farmers in case of crop loss caused by natural calamities, pest attacks, plant diseases, or unseasonal rains.

This scheme, farmers pay a very nominal premium rate:

1. 2% for Kharif crops
2. 1.5% for Rabi crops

The remaining premium is shared by the Central and State Governments. The insurance amount is credited directly to the farmer’s bank account, and the scheme now also includes post-harvest losses under its coverage.
Natural Disasters Covered Under the Scheme

Farmers can receive compensation in the following cases:

1. Unseasonal or heavy rainfall
2. Hailstorms or strong winds
3. Cyclones
4. Waterlogging or lodging (crop collapse)