Risks and Calamities Covered Under PMFBY

Why in news

The Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare provided details on the risks and calamities covered under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), including recent additions like losses due to wild animals.

Exam relevance

GS2, GS3 · Governance, Economy, Society · Prelims · Mains

Key facts

1. PMFBY was introduced in the country from 2016-17.
2. The scheme is voluntary for States as well as farmers.
3. It provides comprehensive risk insurance against crop damage due to non-preventable natural risks.
4. Coverage extends from pre-sowing to post-harvest stages.
5. Losses due to wild animals were not covered earlier as they were considered preventable.
6. States have been allowed to notify losses by wild animals as an add-on cover at the cost of the State Government.
7. Inundation is a covered risk for all notified crops.
8. For hydrophilic crops like paddy, jute, mesta, sugarcane, inundation cover is available except for localized claims.

Prelims pointers

• PMFBY was launched in 2016-17.
• The scheme is voluntary for states and farmers.
• It covers crop damage from non-preventable natural risks.
• Losses due to wild animals can be covered as an add-on at the state's cost.
• Inundation is a covered risk, with specific conditions for hydrophilic crops.

Mains practice question

Discuss the scope of coverage under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), highlighting recent modifications and their implications for farmer welfare and agricultural risk management.

Static linkage

Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) is a government scheme aimed at providing financial support to farmers suffering crop losses. It is part of broader government initiatives to support the agricultural sector and improve farmer livelihoods.

Significance

The inclusion of losses due to wild animals as a potential add-on cover under PMFBY addresses a long-standing concern for farmers in affected regions. This expansion, though state-dependent and at state cost, broadens the scope of crop insurance, potentially enhancing farmer security. The clarification on inundation cover for hydrophilic crops also provides specific guidance, reducing ambiguity for certain agricultural practices.