SYLLABUS

GS-3: Major crops cropping patterns in various parts of the country, different types of irrigation and irrigation systems storage, transport and marketing of agricultural produce and issues and related constraints; e-technology in the aid of farmers

Context: 

The Union Agriculture Ministry recognised the modalities for covering crop loss due to wild animal attacks and paddy inundation under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY). 

More on the News

• The Ministry said that in the revised framework, crop loss due to wild animal attacks would now be recognised as the fifth ‘Add-on Cover’ under the ‘Localised Risk’ category.
• The new guidelines will be implemented from the kharif season of 2026.
• Farmers will be required to report losses within 72 hours using the Crop Insurance App by uploading geotagged photographs. 
• States will notify the list of wild animals responsible for crop damage and identify vulnerable districts or insurance units based on historical data.
• Paddy inundation was removed from the localised calamity category in 2018 due to concerns about moral hazard and the difficulty of assessing submerged crops. 

Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) 

Key Features: 

• Launch and Policy Framework: PMFBY is a centrally sponsored scheme, launched in 2016 and available across all States and Union Territories, with voluntary participation from both states and farmers. 
• Objective: It aims to reduce the premium burden on farmers and ensure prompt claim settlement, ultimately stabilizing farmers' income and encouraging modern agricultural practices.
• Implementation and Administration: While it functions under the administrative control of the Union Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, it is implemented by individual state governments. 
• Coverage and Eligibility: The scheme covers all food crops, oilseeds, and commercial/horticultural crops, including tenant and sharecropper farmers. 
• It is mandatory for farmers with institutionalized loans and voluntary for others, with benefits extended to farmers cultivating notified crops in notified areas.

Technological Innovations: 

• Remote Sensing and Satellite Imaging: Utilized for evidence of crop loss, assessment of damage, and monitoring crop health, these technologies improve the quality of loss assessment and reduce transaction costs.
• Crop Loss Assessment: Satellite imagery, drones, and remote sensing are used to assess crop damage accurately and facilitate swift claim processing.

Financial Aspects and Farmer Benefits: 

• Premium Caps: Farmer's premium contribution is capped at 2% for Kharif crops, 1.5% for Rabi crops, and 5% for commercial/horticultural crops, reducing their financial burden.
• Claims Disbursement: Since inception, the scheme has processed over 36 crore applications and disbursed claims worth Rs 1.82 lakh crore, highlighting its crucial role in safeguarding farmers' incomes.
• Grievance Redressal: To improve feedback mechanisms, the Krishi Rakshak Portal and Helpline (KRPH) have been developed for farmer grievances and scheme assistance.

Sources:
The Hindu
Indian Express
Current Affairs