The Central Government has announced a major expansion of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), extending insurance coverage to include crop losses caused by wild animal attacks and waterlogging, marking a significant step toward strengthening risk protection for farmers across India. The decision aims to address long-standing demands from states facing recurring wildlife intrusion and severe paddy inundation during monsoon seasons.
Under the revised coverage, losses due to wild animals—such as elephants, wild boars, nilgai, deer, and monkeys—will now be compensated under an additional risk category. This inclusion is expected to benefit farming regions that frequently face human–wildlife conflict, especially in states like Odisha, Assam, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Karnataka. Farmers experiencing such damage will be required to report incidents within the stipulated time and upload geotagged photos to ensure faster claim verification and timely assistance.
The government has also reinstated waterlogging and paddy inundation as an eligible category for insurance claims. This coverage, previously withdrawn several years ago, has been reintroduced in response to persistent monsoon-related crop losses in flood-prone districts. With this update, farmers whose crops are submerged due to excessive rainfall or drainage failures can now receive financial compensation to recover from productivity losses and sustain their livelihoods.
Officials stated that the expansion of PMFBY is aimed at making the scheme more inclusive, responsive, and aligned with on-ground challenges faced by farmers. By absorbing these additional risks, the government expects greater participation in the crop insurance programme and improved resilience among vulnerable farming communities.
Experts say that the revised policy reflects the government’s commitment to addressing emerging agricultural risks and minimizing economic losses for farmers, thereby enhancing confidence in formal crop insurance schemes. With growing awareness and easier claim processes, the initiative is expected to strengthen India’s agricultural security and support sustainable farming practices across multiple states.
