As heatwave conditions grip five North Indian states, farmers should consider Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana to protect their crops from potential yield loss.
As the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning for Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh, of severe heatwave conditions to grip the region, more farmers are looking for Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana to cover their crops. Prolonged heatwaves have already wreaked havoc in Rajasthan, Haryana, and Delhi, and the department says no relief is expected at least for three more days.
The heatwave will have its effect on the crop and several incidents of crop fire have also been reported. In such situations of loss, Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana will give you an insurance claim in case of damage to crops. Meanwhile, The Hindu has reported that Bangaru Vaickkal Neeradhara Kootamaippu, a water users’ association in Karnataka, has raised concerns over the delay in settling crop insurance claims under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY). Reportedly, despite the timely submission of claims and completion of surveys, affected farmers are yet to receive their insurance, after over two-and-a-half years.
However, the government statistics present a pleasant view of claims to settlement ratio. In the past 8 years, 56.80 crore farmer applications have been enrolled in the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), with over 23.22 crore farmer applicants receiving claims. During this period, farmers paid nearly Rs. 31,139 crore as their share of premium, against which claims of over Rs. 1,55,977 crore have been paid to them. Thus for the Rs 100 premium paid by farmers, they have received about Rs. 500 as claims, the government said on March 6, 2024.
Under Fasal Bima Yojana farmers can demand compensation for crops damaged due to unseasonal rain, heat wave and storm. Farmers can get compensation in case they are unable to sow due to natural disaster. It will provide cover against even hail, waterlogging and landslides. "In case the majority of insured crops of a notified area are prevented from sowing or planting the insured crops due to adverse weather conditions that will be eligible for indemnity claims up to a maximum of 25 per cent of the sum insured," the scheme guidelines say.
Suppose you have harvested the crop and kept it in the field to dry, and the crop gets damaged due to unseasonal rain or cyclone. Up until 14 days after harvesting the scheme has provisions to cover you. Further, there is an add-on coverage called Mid-Season Adversity in which heavy rains, protracted dry spells, severe droughts, etc., during the crop season, will be covered, in case the yield is predicted to dip by 50 per cent.
The maximum premium decided by the government for farmers is 2 per cent on all Kharif Food & Oilseeds crops against the sum assured, 1.5 per cent for Rabi Food & Oilseeds crops and 5 per cent for annual commercial or Horticultural Crops.
For first-time users, visit pmfby.gov.in, click on 'Register' or use this link - pmfby.gov.in/farmerRegistrationForm, fill in your personal details, residential details and bank account details. Then verify your Aadhaar number and mobile number, and wait for approval. Once approved Login through the 'Farmer Corner'. Then fill out the insurance scheme form and click submit. Once approved the premium must be paid by through NEFT or RTGES only.
To avail of the benefits of crop insurance, in case of heatwaves, one should inform the insurance company or the local agriculture department office within 72 hours of the loss. The insurance company typically will complete the loss assessment in 15 days. After the claim assessment, the claim amount will be transferred directly to the farmer's bank account.