How to Apply for Crop Insurance in Punjab

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab is looking into the options for adopting the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), which was launched by the central government seven years ago as one of its flagship schemes to cover farmers’ crops across the country. A deadline has been set for the state government to adopt the scheme by the kharif (wheat) sowing of 2024. In 2016, the scheme was launched countrywide, partly funded by the government.

The SAD-BJP government, however, rejected it in Punjab due to its parameters and conditions not being suitable for state farmers and the increased burden it would cause. Additionally, state peasants pressured the government not to adopt the scheme. In the later years of the Congress party regime, a state-level crop insurance scheme was proposed, but it failed.

How to Apply for Crop Insurance in Punjab

Why the Punjab Government is Planning to Rejoin Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)

As part of its disaster relief programs, the federal government is urging the states to adopt this scheme to reduce the spending of disaster relief funds for crop loss compensation. Several states that rejected the scheme at the onset have now adopted it, including Telangana, Gujarat, and Bihar.

During the past two seasons, the AAP government in the state paid farmers Rs. 700 crores in compensation for cotton crop losses, which prompted the government to adopt the scheme. Last year, the wheat yield fell by 15% due to a sudden rise in temperature at crop maturity, resulting in heavy losses for farmers. A heavy loss was also suffered by basmati before that. There were 1,500 crores worth of losses in the agriculture sector.

A report says the state government is ready to contribute Rs. 500 crore annually, and under the PMFBY scheme, the Centre will contribute the same amount, and farmers will contribute Rs. 200 crores. Based on the initial estimate of the state government, within this amount, 40% of the crop sown area is covered by insurance. Approximately 40 lakh hectares (100 lakh acres) are cultivated in Punjab. Punjab’s agriculture department has asked the state finance department for 400 crores to launch the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), an insurance program for farmers.

Risks Covered Under the PMFBY Scheme

Losses in yield from standing crops (in notified areas). A comprehensive risk insurance policy covers yield losses caused by non-preventable risks such as Fire, Lightning, Storms, Hailstorms, Cyclones, Typhoons, Tempests, Hurricanes, and Tornadoes. The policy will also cover floods, landslides, droughts, dry spells, and pest/disease risks.

Suppose most insured farmers in a notified area, having sown/planted the insured crop and incurred expenditure for the purpose, cannot do so because of adverse weather conditions. In that case, they are eligible for indemnity claims up to 25 percent of the insured sum.

For crops kept in cut and spread condition to dry in the field after harvesting, coverage will be available up to 14 days from harvest. There is also coverage for losses/damages resulting from the occurrence of localized risks such as hailstorms, landslides, and flooding affecting isolated farms in the notified area.

In case you missed it: How to Apply for Crop Insurance in Gujarat

Application Procedure to Get Crop Insurance Through PMFBY Scheme in Punjab

Apply In-Person

Application forms for the Punjab crop insurance scheme (WBCIS) are available at the department of agriculture
A crop insurance application form is obtained from the agriculture department.
In the application form, all information must be entered by the applicant.
Applicants should carry photocopies and originals of all required documents during this process.
The “Required Documents” section lists the documents necessary for this procedure.
The applicant must include a photocopy of all required documents (if applicable) and a copy of the application form when submitting for this procedure.
This procedure’s fee must be paid according to the authority’s request.
A crop insurance scheme would be notified to the applicant within 30 to 45 days if the applicant followed all the procedures mentioned above correctly.
If the applicant does not receive information regarding the crop insurance scheme, the applicant may visit the office to check the status of their application.
The agricultural office will verify the information after the application is processed.

Apply Online

You can apply for a crop insurance scheme online by visiting www.pmfby.gov.in.
Click the “Farmer Corner” icon on the homepage.
Please click the “Login for Farmer” button if you are registered and log in with your mobile number. Click the “Guest Farmer” button if you are not a farmer.
In the “Register for New Farmer User” application form, fill in all the required information.
Once you have completed the CAPTCHA, click the “Create User” button.
Follow the instructions on the page, fill in all the information asked, and click “Next.”
You will be asked to enter your “Bank Details” and click “Next.”
Upload all necessary documents to the “Crop Details” page.
Once you have completed all the details, click “Submit” to complete the registration process.
Click “Make Payment” to open the payment page, enter your credit card details, and confirm your payment.
The registration will be completed once the payment has been made.
Once you have successfully registered, you will receive an SMS and email with your credentials.
After you have registered, please revisit the homepage: Link.
You can log in by clicking the “Farmer Corner” icon and then “Login for Farmer.”
Please enter your mobile number on the next page and complete the CAPTCHA before clicking “Request or OTP.”
Once you have entered the OTP, complete and submit the crop insurance application.
A receipt number will be sent to you once your application has been submitted.
The status of your application can be found by visiting the same link.
Click on the “Application Status” icon on the homepage.
You can get the status of your application by entering the receipt number and captcha code, then clicking the “Check Status” button. A status update will be displayed for your application.

Required Documents for Applying PMFBY

Application form
Bank account number
ID proof(Aadhaar card))
Sowing information
Address proof(Ration card/Rental agreement)
Evidence of land records prevailing in the state(Records of Right (ROR)
Land possession certificate(LPC)
Other documents notified
Permit by concerned state Govt.

In case you missed it: How to Apply for Crop Insurance in Bihar

Conclusion

Due to a significant drop in claims to premium ratio, the government is considering several proposals to revamp PMFBY by next year, which will increase the government’s subsidy liability. Consultations with all stakeholders are currently underway, and the revamped PMFBY will provide farmers with broader crop insurance coverage.

How to Apply for Crop Insurance in Punjab