Fasal Bima Yojana, also known as the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), is a crop insurance scheme launched by the Government of India in 2016. The aim of this scheme is to provide insurance coverage and financial support to farmers in case of crop failure due to natural calamities such as drought, flood, hailstorm, pests, diseases, etc.
Under the Fasal Bima Yojana, farmers are required to pay a nominal premium, and the rest of the premium is subsidized by the government. The scheme covers all food crops and horticultural crops, and the insurance coverage extends from pre-sowing to post-harvest stages.
One of the key features of this scheme is the provision of quick and hassle-free claim settlement. Farmers can receive their claim amount directly into their bank accounts within a few weeks of the crop damage assessment. This helps farmers in recovering their losses and continuing their agricultural activities without facing financial difficulties.
Another important aspect of the Fasal Bima Yojana is the use of technology in crop insurance. Satellite imagery, drones, and mobile applications are used for accurate crop area measurement, crop cutting experiments, and real-time monitoring of crop health. This not only helps in reducing fraud and improving transparency but also ensures better targeting of insurance coverage.
Since its launch, the Fasal Bima Yojana has been rolled out in phases across the country and has benefited millions of farmers. It has provided them with a safety net against crop failure and has encouraged them to adopt modern agricultural practices without the fear of financial losses.
In conclusion, the Fasal Bima Yojana is a landmark initiative by the government to support farmers and safeguard their livelihoods. By providing crop insurance coverage and quick claim settlement, it has brought relief to farmers facing uncertainties due to natural calamities. With the continued success of this scheme, it is expected to further empower farmers and contribute to the growth of the agricultural sector in India.