So far 27 States/UTs has opted Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana after its inception in April 2016

New Delhi, July 25: At least 27 States/UTs has opted Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) after its inception in April 2016. This was said by Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Parshottam Rupala on Tuesday.

 

In a written reply to Rajya Sabha, Minister Parshottam Rupala said, “Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) was introduced from Kharif 2016 season in the country. The scheme is optional for the States/ Union Territories (UTs) and so far, the scheme has been opted for implementation by 27 States/UTs. in one or more season(s) since inception in April 2016 on the basis of their perception of risk to crops in their States.”

He further said, “The scheme provides comprehensive risk coverage from pre-sowing to post-harvest losses due to non-preventable natural risks and since sum insured has been equated with Scale of Finance, the farmers are provided with maximum risk coverage and at a minimum uniform fixed premium rate payable by them i.e. maximum 2% for Kharif crops, 1.5% for Rabi Crop and 5% for annual commercial/horticultural crops, with balance of actuarial/bidded premium to be shared by the Central and State Government on 50 : 50 basis. “

“Moreover, under the scheme since unit area of insurance has been lowered to village/village panchayat level for assessment of losses of major crops and to individual farm level for assessment of losses due to localised calamities of hailstorm, landslide and inundation and post-harvest losses, the assessment of Losses are more realistic,” the Minister added.

Giving detail of the PMFBY, the Agriculture Minister noted that the seasonality discipline has been made more stringent thereby facilitating more prompt settlement of claims. “Further with the setting up of National Crop Insurance Portal for scheme administration not only can the farmer also enroll under the scheme directly but will be able to track the entire process of his claim settlement,” he added.

“During Kharif 2016 and Rabi 2016-17 claims amounting to Rs. 10505.27 crore and Rs.5991.74 crore have been estimated respectively, out of which claims of Rs. 10283.91 crore and Rs. 5052.84 crore have already been paid for these seasons. During Kharif 2017, out of total estimated claims of Rs. 15895.85 crore, claims of Rs. 9628.61 crore has already been paid to the farmers,” the Minister concluded.