Lucknow – The Uttar Pradesh government is making a big push to get farmers enrolled in the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) for the 2025 Kharif season. With the deadline to register set for July 31, 2025, officials are working hard to spread the word and help farmers protect their crops from unexpected losses. Here’s everything you need to know about the scheme, along with the latest updates as they come in.
What is the UP Fasal Bima Yojana 2025?
The PMFBY is a government-backed crop insurance scheme designed to support farmers when natural disasters like floods, droughts, or pest attacks damage their crops. In Uttar Pradesh, the scheme covers major Kharif crops like paddy, maize, jowar, bajra, urad, moong, tur, groundnut, soybean, and sesame. Farmers pay a small premium—2% of the insured amount for Kharif crops—while the central and state governments cover the rest. This makes it affordable for farmers to safeguard their livelihoods.
The goal is simple: give farmers peace of mind and financial security if their crops fail due to reasons beyond their control. With unpredictable weather becoming more common, the scheme is a lifeline for many in UP’s farming community.
Updates about UP Fasal Bima Yojana 2025
The Agriculture Department in Lucknow held a press conference, urging farmers to act fast. “The deadline is just weeks away. Don’t wait until the last minute to register,” said Mr. Rajesh Kumar, a senior official. He added that banks, Common Service Centers (CSCs), and online portals are ready to help farmers sign up. Farmers can visit their nearest bank branch or CSC to complete the process.
Reports from Kanpur show a surge in registrations at local CSCs. “We’ve seen over 200 farmers come in this week alone,” said Priya Sharma, a CSC operator. She advised farmers to bring their Aadhaar card, land records, and crop details to make the process smoother. Some farmers expressed confusion about the paperwork, but local officials are stepping in to guide them.
In Varanasi, a farmer awareness camp was organized today to explain the benefits of PMFBY. Local farmer Ramesh Yadav shared, “Last year, my paddy crop was ruined due to heavy rains. The insurance payout helped me recover and plant again this season.” Camps like these are popping up across UP to educate farmers, especially those in remote areas.
The UP government has issued a reminder that both loanee and non-loanee farmers can join the scheme. For loanee farmers, banks may automatically enroll them, but they should confirm with their bank. Non-loanee farmers need to apply by visiting a bank, CSC, or the PMFBY portal www.pmfby.gov.in. The process is straightforward, but officials stress that missing the July 31 deadline means no coverage for the Kharif season.
A new report from Gorakhpur highlights challenges in rural areas. Some farmers say they’re unaware of how to apply or worry about hidden costs. The Agriculture Department responded by clarifying that no extra fees should be charged beyond the premium. “If anyone asks for additional money, report it immediately,” said an official. The department is also sending mobile teams to villages to assist with registrations.
Why Should Farmers Join?
Farming is tough, and the weather can be even tougher. A single storm or drought can wipe out months of hard work. The PMFBY offers a safety net by covering losses from natural calamities, pest attacks, or unseasonal rains. For example, if a farmer insures their paddy crop and it’s damaged by floods, they can claim compensation to cover their losses. In UP, the insured amount for crops like maize and paddy can go up to ₹60,000 per hectare, depending on the area.
The scheme isn’t just for big farmers. Small farmers, tenant farmers, and sharecroppers can also apply, making it inclusive for everyone. Plus, the low premium means it’s affordable even for those with limited resources.
How to Register
Farmers have three ways to sign up for PMFBY:
- Visit a Bank: Most banks, including cooperative and commercial banks, are accepting applications. Bring your Aadhaar card, bank passbook, and land documents.
- Common Service Centers (CSCs): These centers are spread across UP and charge a small fee (around ₹40) for processing.
- Online Portal: The PMFBY website (www.pmfby.gov.in) allows farmers to apply directly. You’ll need to upload your documents and pay the premium online.
Make sure to double-check the crops covered in your district, as the list can vary. Contact your local agriculture office for details.
Challenges and Concerns
While the scheme is a game-changer, some farmers are hesitant. In districts like Khandwa, farmers have complained about delayed claim payouts in the past. The government is working to fix these issues by ensuring insurance companies process claims faster. “We’re committed to transparency and timely payments,” said a spokesperson from the Agriculture Department.
Others worry about the paperwork. To address this, the government is holding more awareness camps and simplifying the process for non-loanee farmers.
Final Thoughts
With the July 31 deadline approaching, now is the time for UP farmers to act. The PMFBY is more than just insurance—it’s a way to protect your hard work and keep farming sustainable. As one farmer from Meerut put it, “This scheme gives us hope. Even if the rains fail, we won’t lose everything.”
Stay tuned for more updates as we follow the progress of this crucial scheme. If you’re a farmer, don’t wait—head to your nearest bank or CSC today.
