Patna: The Bihar government is set to implement the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) from the Rabi 2026-27 season, replacing the existing Bihar State Crop Assistance Scheme. The new scheme will provide financial protection to farmers against crop losses caused by natural disasters, pests and diseases.
Farmers will be able to apply for crop insurance from November 15, 2026, to January 15, 2027. Both land-owning (Raiyat) and non-land-owning (Gair-Raiyat) farmers will be eligible to benefit from the scheme.
Cooperation Minister Ram Kripal Yadav said the government is committed to providing financial security to farmers in the event of crop damage. He urged farmers to enrol within the prescribed application period to ensure protection against potential agricultural losses.
Under PMFBY, farmers will receive insurance benefits equivalent to the cost of cultivation in the event of eligible crop damage, as per the scheme’s provisions. The initiative aims to reduce farmers’ financial burden and provide them with greater security against agricultural risks.
PM Fasal Bima Yojana to Cover 18 Crops and Five Horticultural Crops
The scheme will cover 18 crops, including wheat, maize, pulses, oilseeds and vegetables. It will also include several horticultural crops such as:
- Mango
- Litchi
- Banana
- Jackfruit
- Guava
One of the major features of the scheme is that there will be no maximum limit on the area of land insured. This provision will allow farmers with larger landholdings to receive compensation in proportion to their insured area, subject to the applicable scheme conditions.
The insurance coverage will protect farmers against crop damage caused by natural calamities, pests and diseases.
Crop Insurance Premium Fixed at 1.5% for Food Crops
Under PMFBY, farmers will have to pay a limited share of the insured amount as a premium.
The applicable premium rates are as follows:
- Food crops: A premium of 1.5% of the insured amount will apply to crops such as wheat, maize, pulses and oilseeds.
- Commercial and horticultural crops: The premium will be 5% of the insured amount or the rate determined by the insurance company, whichever is lower.
The remaining eligible insurance premium will be covered as per the provisions of the scheme.
Non-Raiyat Farmers Also Eligible for PMFBY Benefits
The scheme will benefit both Raiyat farmers (landowners) and non-Raiyat farmers (those cultivating land without ownership rights).
Non-Raiyat farmers will be required to submit a self-declaration form countersigned by a Krishi Salahkar (Agriculture Advisor) or Ward Member. The declaration must include details such as:
- Name of the crop cultivated.
- Area under cultivation.
- Land account number (Khata number).
- Plot number (Khesra number).
Kisan Credit Card (KCC) holders and non-loanee Raiyat farmers will also be required to register on the AgriStack platform and obtain a Farmer ID to access the insurance facility.
KCC Farmers Can Apply for Crop Insurance Through Banks
The Bihar government has made provisions to simplify the crop insurance application process, particularly for farmers holding Kisan Credit Cards.
According to Cooperation Minister Ram Kripal Yadav, KCC-holder loanee farmers will be able to obtain crop insurance directly through their respective bank branches.
Other eligible farmers will have the following application options:
- Non-loanee Raiyat farmers: Can apply through banks, Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) or Vasudha Kendras (Common Service Centres).
- Online applications: Farmers can also apply independently through the National Crop Insurance Portal (NCIP) and the Krishi Rakshak Portal.
These multiple application channels are intended to make crop insurance more accessible to farmers across Bihar.
Two Insurance Companies Selected for North and South Bihar
For the effective implementation of PMFBY, the Bihar government has selected two insurance companies to provide services in the northern and southern regions of the state.
ICICI Lombard to Cover 21 Districts in North Bihar
ICICI Lombard General Insurance Company Limited has been selected to provide crop insurance services in 21 districts of North Bihar.
The districts covered under the company include:
- East Champaran
- West Champaran
- Gopalganj
- Siwan
- Saran
- Sitamarhi
- Sheohar
- Darbhanga
- Vaishali
- Samastipur
- Madhubani
- Begusarai
- Khagaria
- Muzaffarpur
- Kishanganj
- Araria
- Purnia
- Katihar
- Madhepura
- Saharsa
- Supaul
Agriculture Insurance Company to Cover 17 Districts in South Bihar
Agriculture Insurance Company of India Limited (AIC) will provide crop insurance services in 17 districts of South Bihar.
These districts are:
- Nalanda
- Nawada
- Sheikhpura
- Lakhisarai
- Munger
- Jamui
- Gaya
- Bhagalpur
- Banka
- Patna
- Bhojpur
- Buxar
- Kaimur
- Rohtas
- Jehanabad
- Arwal
- Aurangabad
PMFBY to Strengthen Financial Security for Bihar Farmers
The implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana from the Rabi 2026-27 season marks a major step towards strengthening agricultural risk protection in Bihar. By covering a wide range of food, commercial and horticultural crops, the scheme aims to protect farmers from financial losses caused by natural disasters and other crop-related risks.
With affordable premiums, eligibility for non-land-owning cultivators, multiple application channels and insurance coverage across all farm sizes, the initiative is expected to provide greater financial security to farmers throughout the state.
Farmers can submit their applications between November 15, 2026, and January 15, 2027, to avail themselves of the benefits of the scheme.
Read also: Bihar to Launch ‘Sankalp Sandhya’ Free Evening Classes Across 38 Districts from November 17
