How to Apply For Crop Insurance in Assam

Assam has implemented PMFBY (Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana) since 2016. Assam’s government primarily aims to expand crop insurance through PMFBY. Furthermore, the scheme aims to provide farmers insurance coverage and financial support if any notified crops fail due to natural calamities, pests, or diseases. As part of PMFBY, farmers’ incomes would be stabilized to ensure their continued existence as farmers.

Assam Government fully subsidizes the farmer’s premium share up to 1 hectare of insured area. A farmer growing notified crops on one hectare could get crop insurance for 1 rupee. In Assam, notified crops in the Kharif season included Black Gram, Sali Paddy, and Jute, and notified crops in the Rabi season included Summer Paddy, Potato, Sugarcane, and Rape & Mustard.

How to Apply For Crop Insurance in Assam

Eligibility Criteria for the PMFBY Scheme

No worries about classification for farmers: It does not matter what classification a farmer falls under in this insurance coverage scheme. Agriculturists of all sizes and marginal status can take advantage of this project.
For owners and rented farmers: In contrast to previous schemes, the PMFBY will cover landholdings and landless farmers. The term “landless farmer” refers to someone who produces crops on another individual’s land.
Non-loanee farmers: Several agricultural workers have not received loans from any bank or government agency for agricultural needs. The term “non-loanee farmer” is used to describe these individuals. For farmers to be eligible for the benefits of this project, they need to publish their land documents.

Crops Identified by the Government for Coverage Under PMFBY

This crop insurance scheme will be available to farmers who grow rice, wheat, pulses, millets, castor, groundnut, linseed, cashew nut, guava, banana, and mangoes. As a result of this list, farmers nationwide can safeguard their crops according to this scheme’s guidelines. The central government will add more food and commercial crops to this list as time passes. Ultimately, the main objective of this scheme is to provide financial protection against accidents.

Application Procedure to Get Crop Insurance Under PMFBY Scheme

Apply Online

An applicant can apply online for Farmer Insurance Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) by visiting the PMFBY website.
To apply for crop insurance, the applicant must first click “Apply for Crop Insurance by yourself,” enter the registered mobile number and the captcha, then click “Get OTP” and enter the OTP.
Click “Guest Farmer” to complete the registration form and click “Create User” to create an account if the applicant doesn’t have one.
Applicants have to fill out the application form after logging in.
After entering the farm and crop details, the applicant must proceed to the next step. It is highly punishable if the applicant provides false information. The applicant must enter accurate information.
The relevant documents should be uploaded as appropriate. On this page, there is a section titled “Required Documents” that lists all of the required documents.
After entering the captcha, click the “Submit” button to submit your online application.
There is no fee for applying online.
As an acknowledgment, a system-generated reference ID will be displayed.
To check the status, save this ID for future reference.
The agriculture department will process this application.
Verification of the details will be initiated internally.
The applicant’s mobile number will be notified of all application status updates via SMS.
There is a 30-45-day processing time for the procedure.

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Apply Through the Registered CSC Centre

An applicant can obtain Farmer Insurance Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) by contacting a nearby Common Service Centre (CSC)
Note: The applicant must select their state, district, and sub-district from the drop-down menu, enter a captcha and click search to find a nearby centre in their respective district.

The concerned officer will provide an application form to the applicant. You can also provide the officer in charge with the applicant’s details.
In the application form, the applicant must provide all the necessary information.
The applicant must attach the required documents listed on this page’s “Required Documents” section (if applicable).
Please submit the completed application and document to the center staff.
Service fees must be paid by the applicant as requested by the authority.
A receipt with the application number will be issued after processing the application.
Applicants are informed through SMS at various stages, such as when an official will visit their residence to verify their application and whether it has been approved or rejected.
It takes 30-45 days for the application to be processed.

Required Documents for Applying PMFBY

Application form
Bank book number with proof
Annual income certificate
Proof of Identity (Aadhaar card)
Proof of Address (Ration card/Rental agreement)
Evidence of cultivating land records belongs in the state
Land possession certificate (LPC)
Sowing certificate
Applicable contract and Agreement details
Other documents notified

How to Register Any Grievance Complaint?

The website has a unique feature allowing farmers to highlight complaints or grievances. It will allow the department to understand if farmers are having issues during enrollment, crop loss report submission, claim status check, and general doubt clarification. It will help the government to serve these farmers better.

If any applicant wants to register any complaint, he has to click on the official web link, http://pmfby.gov.in/.
Then he has to bring the mouse pointer on the 5th option tablet from the left. This option tablet is marked as “Complaints – Tell Us About Your Problems.”
Once one click on this link, it opens a new page highlighting the “Complaint/Grievance” box once one click on it.
Four fields are visible in this box. These are marked as “Name,” “Mobile Number,” “Email,” and “Comments.”
The farmer needs to type in his name, registered mobile number, and email ID. Then he has to type in and describe his doubt, issue, or complaint.
Once done, it is time to register the complaint by typing in the captcha code in the box marked as “Enter Captcha Code” and clicking on the yellow “Submit” button.

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Conclusion

Assam still struggles to achieve the desired momentum in implementing PMFBY’s flagship program. However, if implemented in true spirit as per the guidelines, it can mitigate the plight of hardworking farmers. It needs a concerted effort from all stakeholders to bring more and more farmers under its wing. It could very well provide a safety net for farmers in distress and carve out an important niche for itself. Government, banking institutions, and insurance companies must provide the necessary support to create an environment conducive to investment.

How to Apply For Crop Insurance in Assam