Crop Insurance (Including PM Fasal Bima Yojana) – National Insurance

Agriculture is the backbone of India, and yet it remains highly vulnerable to unpredictable weather, natural disasters, pest attacks, and market fluctuations. A single crop failure can push farmers into financial distress, affecting their livelihood and long-term stability.

To safeguard farmers and support India’s agricultural ecosystem, National Insurance offers comprehensive Crop Insurance solutions, including participation in the Government’s flagship scheme — Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY).

What is Crop Insurance?

Crop Insurance provides financial protection to farmers against loss or damage to their crops arising from natural calamities, pests, diseases, and adverse climatic conditions.

It ensures that farmers can recover from crop loss and continue their agricultural activities without falling into financial hardship.

1. Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)

PMFBY is a government-backed crop insurance program that offers subsidized premiums and wide risk coverage for farmers across India.

Key Features of PMFBY

✔ Low Premiums

Farmers pay only:

• 2% for Kharif crops
• 1.5% for Rabi crops
• 5% for horticulture/commercial crops
  The balance premium is subsidized by the Government.

✔ Comprehensive Risk Coverage

Covers:

• Drought
• Flood
• Cyclone
• Hailstorm
• Pest attack
• Diseases
• Fire & lightning
• Unseasonal rains
• Inundation and other natural perils

✔ Coverage Across Crop Lifecycle

Protection includes:

• Sowing risk
• Standing crop risk
• Post-harvest losses (up to 14 days)
• Localized calamities (hailstorm, landslide, etc.)

✔ Quick Claim Settlement

Claims are based on Crop Cutting Experiments (CCE) and modern technology like satellite imagery for faster assessment.

2. Other Crop Insurance Options by National Insurance

Apart from PMFBY, National Insurance offers multiple solutions tailored for farmers, agri-businesses, and financial institutions.

a. Weather-Based Crop Insurance

Covers losses due to:

• Excess/deficit rainfall
• Heatwaves and frost
• Temperature fluctuations
• Humidity variations

b. Plantation & Horticulture Insurance

For crops like:

• Rubber
• Tea
• Coconut
• Apples & citrus fruits
• Grapes, mango, banana plantations

c. Contract Farming & Agribusiness Packages

Customizable policies to protect:

• Input providers
• Corporate farmers
• Contract farming operations

Benefits of National Insurance Crop Coverage

✔ Protection Against Major Natural Risks

Helps farmers recover from unforeseen disasters.

✔ Financial Support for Re-sowing

Covers expenses if sowing fails due to weather-related factors.

✔ Stabilizes Farmer Income

Ensures continuity in agricultural activities even after losses.

✔ Supports Agricultural Loans

Mandatory crop insurance often helps farmers secure credit from banks.

✔ Backed by Government Support

PMFBY ensures low premiums and high coverage.

Who Should Opt for Crop Insurance?

• Individual farmers
• Sharecroppers & tenant farmers
• Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs)
• Agri-business companies
• Cooperatives and rural financial institutions

Conclusion

Agriculture depends heavily on nature, and uncertainties can severely impact farmers’ livelihoods. National Insurance’s Crop Insurance solutions, including PMFBY, provide robust protection that empowers farmers to cultivate with confidence.

With financial security, timely compensation, and government-backed benefits, crop insurance plays a crucial role in supporting India’s agricultural resilience.