The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) operates on a voluntary basis for both states and farmers. States/Union Territories (UTs) can opt into the scheme based on their risk assessment and financial considerations, while farmers can insure their crops upon notification by the respective State Government/UT Administration.
Since its inception in 2016-17, 27 States/UTs have implemented the scheme for one or more seasons. Presently, numerous states including Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu, among others, are actively participating in the scheme. Notably, over 30% of the Gross Cropped Area (GCA) and non-loanee farmers in these states have embraced PMFBY, indicating farmers’ acceptance of the initiative.
To bolster awareness, the government has taken various measures, ensuring ample funds for PMFBY awareness. The revised Operational Guidelines mandate insurance companies to allocate at least 0.5% of their total gross premium for Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) activities.
Awareness campaigns, like ‘Crop Insurance Week/Fasal Bima Saptah’ initiated by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, aim to inform stakeholders about PMFBY’s benefits, especially in aspirational/tribal districts. Fasal Bima Pathshalas at village levels impart knowledge on scheme intricacies.
The government leverages multiple channels for dissemination, including advertisements in national/local newspapers, audio-visual spots on regional channels, distribution of IEC material in local languages, SMS alerts via Kisan/NCIP portal, and online workshops involving farmers, Panchayat Members, and other stakeholders.
‘Meri Policy Mere Haath,’ a nationwide campaign, facilitates doorstep distribution of crop insurance policy receipts to enrolled farmers via special camps at gram Panchayat/village levels.
These initiatives have yielded positive results, evidenced by a significant increase in farmer applications and insured areas year-on-year. The government provided state-wise details of applications and insured areas in Annexure.
Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar, disclosed this information in a written Lok Sabha reply.