Yogi Cabinet Approves PMFBY and Weather Scheme to Secure Farmers Against Crop Loss
The Yogi Adityanath government in Uttar Pradesh has taken a monumental step toward safeguarding the financial stability of the state's agricultural community against unpredictable natural disasters. During a crucial cabinet meeting held on Tuesday in Lucknow, the state administration granted formal approval to implement the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) and the Restructured Weather-Based Crop Insurance Scheme across Uttar Pradesh for the 2026-27 financial year. This proactive policy initiative is designed to protect farmers from devastating economic shocks caused by unseasonal rains, extreme weather fluctuations, droughts, and crop diseases, ensuring that hardworking cultivators receive comprehensive safety nets and timely compensation.
Comprehensive Coverage Across Kharif and Rabi Seasons
Under the newly approved guidelines for 2026-27, the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana will cover major food grains and agricultural crops right at the Gram Panchayat level across all districts of the state, spanning from the Kharif 2026 season through the Rabi 2026-27 season. Concurrently, the Weather-Based Crop Insurance Scheme has been structured specifically to protect specialized horticultural and commercial crops in selected high-yield districts. To ensure continuity and operational efficiency, the state cabinet, acting on central government advisories and state committee recommendations, has authorized experienced insurance companies with a proven three-year track record to continue operations within their designated regional groups.
Minimal Premium Rates and Heavy Government Subsidies
One of the most farmer-friendly aspects of this revamped insurance scheme is the remarkably low financial burden placed on cultivators. Farmers are only required to pay a nominal premium share: just 2 percent of the total sum insured for Kharif crops, 1.5 percent for Rabi crops, and a maximum of 5 percent for annual commercial and horticultural crops. The vast financial gap between the actual commercial premium rates and the minimal farmer contribution will be shared equally and borne entirely by the central and state governments. Furthermore, to maximize participation, clear insurance enrollment windows have been established, setting deadlines of July 31 for Kharif crops and December 31 for Rabi crops, with provisions for seasonal deadline extensions and immediate coverage options for weather-based policies.
