Last Updated: May 21, 2026
Crop insurance premium 2026 under PMFBY (Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana) is one of the lowest in the world — farmers pay just 1.5% to 2% of the sum insured, with the Government of India and state governments jointly subsidising the remaining actuarial premium. This updated guide covers the complete state-wise crop insurance premium list for 2026 including Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh, how premium amounts are calculated per hectare, who is eligible, how to apply, and the exact deadlines to enroll. Whether you grow wheat in UP, soybean in MP, or paddy in Maharashtra, this guide covers everything you need to know about PMFBY 2026 premium rates, sum insured values, and claim procedures.
| Scheme Name | Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) |
| Launched By | Govt. of India, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare |
| Kharif Premium (Farmer) | 2% of Sum Insured |
| Rabi Premium (Farmer) | 1.5% of Sum Insured |
| Commercial Crops Premium | 5% of Sum Insured |
| Avg. Sum Insured/Hectare | Rs.40,700 (national average) |
| Budget 2025-26 Allocation | Rs.12,242 crore |
| Kharif Deadline | July 31 (every year) |
| Rabi Deadline | December 31 (every year) |
| Official Portal | pmfby.gov.in |
| Claim Payment Mode | Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) |
- What is PMFBY Crop Insurance 2026?
- PMFBY 2026 Premium Rates – Kharif, Rabi & Commercial Crops
- State-Wise Crop Insurance Premium List 2026
- Punjab Crop Insurance Premium 2026
- Uttar Pradesh (UP) Crop Insurance Premium 2026
- Maharashtra Crop Insurance Premium 2026
- Madhya Pradesh (MP) Crop Insurance Premium 2026
- Who Should Apply for PMFBY Crop Insurance?
- How to Apply for PMFBY Crop Insurance Online – Step by Step
- PMFBY vs RWBCIS – Comparison Table
- High-Value Agri Insurance Terms You Must Know
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is PMFBY Crop Insurance 2026?
The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) is the Government of India’s flagship crop insurance scheme, launched in April 2016 to replace older schemes like NAIS and MNAIS. Under PMFBY 2026, farmers pay a highly subsidised premium while the Central and State Governments jointly cover the balance of the actuarial premium. The scheme covers over 5 crore farmers across 28 states and union territories, making it the largest crop insurance programme in the world by farmer enrolments.
Under the Union Budget 2025-26, the government allocated Rs.12,242 crore specifically for PMFBY, reaffirming its commitment to protecting farmers from crop losses due to natural disasters, pest attacks, disease, drought, and floods. Between 2016 and 2026, cumulative claims disbursed under the scheme exceed Rs.1.5 lakh crore, with Rs.10,000 crore disbursed in 2024-25 alone. The scheme is governed by the official PMFBY portal (pmfby.gov.in).
PMFBY 2026 Premium Rates – Kharif, Rabi & Commercial Crops
The crop insurance premium 2026 under PMFBY is fixed at a maximum farmer share, regardless of the actual actuarial (risk-based) premium determined by the insurance company. The table below shows the 3 premium tiers and how the subsidy is shared:
| Crop Season | Crop Type | Farmer’s Max Premium | Govt. Subsidy Share | Typical Actuarial Premium |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kharif (Jun–Oct) | Paddy, Cotton, Soybean, Bajra, Maize, Groundnut | 2% of Sum Insured | ~10–13% (balance shared 50:50 by Centre & State) | 12–15% |
| Rabi (Nov–Mar) | Wheat, Gram, Mustard, Barley, Linseed | 1.5% of Sum Insured | ~7–10% (balance shared 50:50 by Centre & State) | 8–12% |
| Annual Commercial | Sugarcane, Banana, Grapes, Pomegranate, Cotton | 5% of Sum Insured | Balance shared 50:50 by Centre & State | Varies (bid-based) |
| Horticultural Crops | Onion, Tomato, Apple, Mango, Turmeric | 5% of Sum Insured | Balance shared 50:50 by Centre & State | Varies (bid-based) |
Example Calculation: If the sum insured for paddy in Lucknow district (UP) is Rs.60,000 per hectare, the farmer pays just Rs.1,200 per hectare (2% of Rs.60,000) for Kharif coverage. The government subsidises the remaining Rs.7,200–Rs.9,000 per hectare (the balance actuarial premium). This subsidy model makes PMFBY the most affordable crop insurance available to Indian farmers in 2026.
State-Wise Crop Insurance Premium List 2026 – Premium & Sum Insured
The state-wise crop insurance premium 2026 varies because the Sum Insured is determined by each district’s Scale of Finance (decided by the District Level Technical Committee). Below is the comprehensive state-wise PMFBY premium comparison table for major states:
| State | Major Crop Covered | Season | Approx. Sum Insured/Ha | Farmer Premium/Ha | Annual Earning Protection |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uttar Pradesh | Wheat | Rabi | Rs.55,000–Rs.65,000 | Rs.825–Rs.975 | Up to Rs.65,000/ha |
| Uttar Pradesh | Paddy (Rice) | Kharif | Rs.60,000–Rs.80,000 | Rs.1,200–Rs.1,600 | Up to Rs.80,000/ha |
| Uttar Pradesh | Sugarcane | Annual | Rs.1,20,000–Rs.1,50,000 | Rs.6,000–Rs.7,500 | Up to Rs.1,50,000/ha |
| Maharashtra | Soybean | Kharif | Rs.40,000–Rs.55,000 | Rs.800–Rs.1,100 | Up to Rs.55,000/ha |
| Maharashtra | Cotton | Kharif | Rs.50,000–Rs.70,000 | Rs.1,000–Rs.1,400 | Up to Rs.70,000/ha |
| Maharashtra | Wheat (Rabi) | Rabi | Rs.50,000–Rs.60,000 | Rs.750–Rs.900 | Up to Rs.60,000/ha |
| Madhya Pradesh | Soybean | Kharif | Rs.45,000–Rs.58,000 | Rs.900–Rs.1,160 | Up to Rs.58,000/ha |
| Madhya Pradesh | Gram (Chickpea) | Rabi | Rs.35,000–Rs.50,000 | Rs.525–Rs.750 | Up to Rs.50,000/ha |
| Madhya Pradesh | Wheat | Rabi | Rs.55,000–Rs.65,000 | Rs.825–Rs.975 | Up to Rs.65,000/ha |
| Rajasthan | Mustard | Rabi | Rs.35,000–Rs.48,000 | Rs.525–Rs.720 | Up to Rs.48,000/ha |
| Haryana | Wheat | Rabi | Rs.60,000–Rs.72,000 | Rs.900–Rs.1,080 | Up to Rs.72,000/ha |
| Bihar | Paddy & Maize | Kharif | Rs.40,000–Rs.55,000 | Rs.800–Rs.1,100 | Up to Rs.55,000/ha |
Note: Sum insured values are indicative and based on district-wise Scale of Finance. Exact figures vary by district and are pre-declared by the State Level Coordination Committee on Crop Insurance (SLCCCI) before each season. Always verify at pmfby.gov.in.
Punjab Crop Insurance Premium 2026 – PMFBY Status
Punjab presents a unique situation in the 2026 crop insurance premium landscape. The state has not joined the PMFBY scheme since its launch in 2016. Punjab briefly announced its intent to implement PMFBY in November 2022, but reversed this decision in March 2023. As a result, Punjab farmers currently receive compensation only under the SDRF/NDRF guidelines — a maximum of Rs.17,000 per hectare for crop losses up to 2 hectares — far below what PMFBY coverage would provide.
The Central Government has renewed its push for Punjab to join PMFBY, especially after floods in 2025 damaged over 11.7 lakh hectares of farmland across 1,902 villages. Under PMFBY, Punjab farmers growing paddy (Kharif) would pay just 2% premium on a sum insured of approximately Rs.65,000–Rs.80,000 per hectare. Farmers are strongly encouraged to check with their district agriculture office or the Punjab Agriculture Department for any updated state-level crop insurance scheme that may be applicable for Kharif 2026.
- 🌾 Paddy (Kharif): Dominates Punjab’s farming — most at risk from waterlogging and floods
- 🌿 Wheat (Rabi): Would attract 1.5% premium (approx. Rs.900–Rs.1,100/ha) if Punjab joins PMFBY
- 🔴 Cotton (Malwa Belt): Highly vulnerable to pink bollworm; PMFBY would offer up to Rs.70,000/ha coverage
- 📞 Helpline: Farmers can call 1800-180-1551 (Kisan Call Centre) for Punjab-specific updates
Uttar Pradesh Crop Insurance Premium 2026 – Complete PMFBY Details
Uttar Pradesh is one of the top 3 states by sum insured under PMFBY, accounting for 12% of the national crop insurance coverage. UP farmers can enroll for PMFBY 2026 via upagriculture.com or any bank branch or CSC centre. The state covers major crops including wheat, paddy, sugarcane, mustard, arhar (pigeon pea), and maize under the PMFBY scheme.
| Crop | Season | Sum Insured/Ha (Approx.) | Farmer Premium/Ha | Max Claim/Ha |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wheat | Rabi 2025-26 | Rs.57,000–Rs.65,000 | Rs.855–Rs.975 | Rs.65,000 |
| Paddy (Rice) | Kharif 2026 | Rs.60,000–Rs.80,000 | Rs.1,200–Rs.1,600 | Rs.80,000 |
| Sugarcane | Annual | Rs.1,20,000–Rs.1,50,000 | Rs.6,000–Rs.7,500 | Rs.1,50,000 |
| Mustard | Rabi 2025-26 | Rs.40,000–Rs.50,000 | Rs.600–Rs.750 | Rs.50,000 |
| Arhar (Pigeon Pea) | Kharif 2026 | Rs.35,000–Rs.48,000 | Rs.700–Rs.960 | Rs.48,000 |
Maharashtra Crop Insurance Premium 2026 – PMFBY Details
Maharashtra is the single largest state receiving Central premium subsidy under PMFBY — accounting for 22% of total Central Government premium expenditure. The state covers a wide basket of crops including soybean, cotton, gram, wheat, and horticulture crops. However, in 2025-26, Maharashtra’s crop insurance premium pool dropped sharply from around Rs.9,000 crore to approximately Rs.3,000 crore following structural changes in the state’s tendering process and aggressive pricing by insurance companies.
| Crop | Season | Sum Insured/Ha (Approx.) | Farmer Premium/Ha | Max Claim/Ha |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soybean | Kharif 2026 | Rs.40,000–Rs.55,000 | Rs.800–Rs.1,100 | Rs.55,000 |
| Cotton | Kharif 2026 | Rs.50,000–Rs.70,000 | Rs.1,000–Rs.1,400 | Rs.70,000 |
| Gram (Chickpea) | Rabi 2025-26 | Rs.38,000–Rs.50,000 | Rs.570–Rs.750 | Rs.50,000 |
| Onion (Horticulture) | Rabi 2025-26 | Rs.80,000–Rs.1,00,000 | Rs.4,000–Rs.5,000 | Rs.1,00,000 |
| Wheat | Rabi 2025-26 | Rs.50,000–Rs.60,000 | Rs.750–Rs.900 | Rs.60,000 |
Madhya Pradesh Crop Insurance Premium 2026 – PMFBY Details
Madhya Pradesh accounts for 14% of the national sum insured under PMFBY — the second highest after Maharashtra — and is a top beneficiary of Central premium subsidies (17% of total Central premium). MP focuses especially on soybean (Kharif) and gram/wheat (Rabi). The state uses the standard PMFBY model with 50:50 Central-State premium sharing.
| Crop | Season | Sum Insured/Ha (Approx.) | Farmer Premium/Ha | Max Claim/Ha |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soybean | Kharif 2026 | Rs.45,000–Rs.58,000 | Rs.900–Rs.1,160 | Rs.58,000 |
| Gram (Chickpea) | Rabi 2025-26 | Rs.35,000–Rs.50,000 | Rs.525–Rs.750 | Rs.50,000 |
| Wheat | Rabi 2025-26 | Rs.55,000–Rs.65,000 | Rs.825–Rs.975 | Rs.65,000 |
| Mustard | Rabi 2025-26 | Rs.36,000–Rs.46,000 | Rs.540–Rs.690 | Rs.46,000 |
| Paddy (Rice) | Kharif 2026 | Rs.40,000–Rs.55,000 | Rs.800–Rs.1,100 | Rs.55,000 |
Who Should Apply for PMFBY Crop Insurance 2026?
- 🌾 Small & Marginal Farmers: Those with less than 2 hectares of land benefit the most — premium cost is under Rs.2,000 per season while coverage can be up to Rs.1.6 lakh per holding.
- 👩🌾 Women Farmers: Loanee women farmer applications grew 65% in 2022-23, with CSC centres offering dedicated support. Women farmers in Kharif and Rabi both benefit equally from subsidised premiums.
- 🤝 Tenant Farmers & Sharecroppers: Even if you don’t own the land, you can enroll for PMFBY as long as you are cultivating a notified crop in a notified area with valid documentation.
- 🏦 Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Holders: If you have an active KCC loan, PMFBY enrollment may be mandatory and premium is auto-deducted — check with your bank branch to confirm coverage details.
- 🌱 Freshers to Farming / Young Farmers: New-generation farmers aged 18–35 entering commercial horticulture or organic farming can use PMFBY as a safety net against first-season losses.
- 📍 Disaster-Prone District Farmers: Farmers in flood-prone UP districts, drought-prone Vidarbha (Maharashtra), or hail-prone MP highlands must enroll as risk of total crop loss is highest.
- 🌿 SC/ST/OBC Farmers: Reserved categories are eligible for the same premium rates with no additional fee. Age relaxation and state-level assistance is available for enrollment at CSC centres.
- 🍅 Horticulture Crop Growers: Onion, tomato, banana, and grape farmers in Maharashtra and MP must enroll for the 5% commercial premium tier to protect high-value crop investments.
How to Apply for PMFBY Crop Insurance Online 2026 – Step by Step
- Visit the official portal: Go to pmfby.gov.in or download the PMFBY App (available on Google Play Store and Apple App Store).
- Register / Login: Create a new farmer account using your Aadhaar number and mobile number. OTP will be sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile. If not linked, update at any UIDAI centre first.
- Select State, Season & Crop: Choose your state (e.g., UP), season (Kharif 2026 or Rabi 2025-26), district, and the notified crop you are cultivating.
- Enter Land Details: Input your Khasra number, land area in hectares, and irrigation type (irrigated/un-irrigated). Land records (Khatauni) must be up to date at the Patwari level.
- Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of Aadhaar card, land record/Khatauni, bank passbook (first page), and sowing certificate (if required for non-loanee farmers).
- Check Premium Amount: The portal will auto-calculate your farmer premium (2% for Kharif, 1.5% for Rabi, 5% for commercial crops) based on the district’s sum insured.
- Pay Premium Online: Pay via net banking, UPI, debit card, or at a CSC centre (CSC service charge: Rs.15–Rs.20). Loanee farmers’ premiums are auto-deducted by the bank.
- Save Acknowledgement: Download and save your PMFBY policy number / acknowledgement slip. This is required for claim filing.
- Verify Before Deadline: Kharif deadline is July 31; Rabi deadline is December 31. Enrollment after the deadline is not permitted under any circumstances.
If your crop suffers damage due to floods, hailstorms, drought, or pest attack, you MUST report the loss within 72 hours via the PMFBY app or by calling the insurance company’s toll-free number printed on your policy. Late reporting = claim rejection. Once reported, a joint field survey is conducted and the claim is transferred via DBT directly to your bank account — 80% of claims are settled within 30 days. Keep your policy number, Aadhaar, and bank details handy at all times during the crop season.
PMFBY vs RWBCIS – Which Crop Insurance is Better for Farmers?
| Parameter | PMFBY | RWBCIS (Weather-Based) |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana | Restructured Weather-Based Crop Insurance Scheme |
| Kharif Premium (Farmer) | 2% of Sum Insured | 2% of Sum Insured |
| Rabi Premium (Farmer) | 1.5% of Sum Insured | 1.5% of Sum Insured |
| Claim Trigger | Actual yield loss (area-based via CCEs) | Weather deviation (rainfall, temperature, humidity) |
| Crop Cutting Experiments | Required (district/block-level CCEs) | Not required |
| Claim Settlement Speed | 15–30 days after season CCE data | Faster — weather data auto-triggers claims |
| Best For | Yield-loss risk: floods, pests, drought | Weather-sensitive crops: mango, banana, horticulture |
| Coverage Area | 28 states + UTs (largest coverage) | Selected districts/states notified by State Govt. |
| Post-Harvest Coverage | Yes (up to 14 days after harvesting) | Varies by state notification |
High-Value Agri Insurance Terms Every Farmer Must Know in 2026
- Scale of Finance (SoF): The per-hectare value of a crop decided by the District Level Technical Committee. This determines your Sum Insured — typically Rs.35,000–Rs.1,50,000/ha depending on crop and state.
- Actuarial Premium Rate (APR): The true risk-based premium rate (8–15% for most crops) determined by the implementing insurance company through competitive bidding. Farmers pay only 1.5–5%; the government covers the rest.
- Sum Insured: The maximum amount you can claim per hectare per season. Calculated as Scale of Finance × Land Area in hectares. A 2-hectare paddy farm in UP with Rs.70,000 SoF has a total Sum Insured of Rs.1,40,000.
- Threshold Yield (TY): The minimum expected yield for your crop in your area, calculated as the average of the best 5 years from the last 7 seasons. If actual yield falls below TY, claims are triggered.
- Indemnity Level: Percentage of Threshold Yield below which claims are paid — either 70%, 80%, or 90%, as notified by the state for each crop and district.
- Crop Cutting Experiment (CCE): Scientific field-level survey conducted by government teams to measure actual yield in sampled plots. CCE results are the basis for PMFBY area-level claims.
- DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer): Mechanism by which PMFBY claims are transferred directly to the farmer’s Aadhaar-linked bank account — no middleman, no delay. Over Rs.10,000 crore paid via DBT in 2024-25.
- SLCCCI: State Level Coordination Committee on Crop Insurance — the body that pre-declares sum insured values, notified crops, and districts every season before enrollment begins.
- RWBCIS: Restructured Weather-Based Crop Insurance Scheme — runs parallel to PMFBY in select districts for horticulture and sensitive crops where weather is the primary loss driver.
- Non-Loanee Farmer: A farmer without a crop loan (KCC) who voluntarily enrolls in PMFBY. Enrollment is optional but strongly recommended — premium payment can be made at any bank or CSC.
Frequently Asked Questions – PMFBY Crop Insurance Premium 2026
What is the crop insurance premium rate under PMFBY 2026?
Under PMFBY 2026, farmer premium is capped at 2% for Kharif crops, 1.5% for Rabi crops, and 5% for commercial/horticultural crops. The remaining actuarial premium (which ranges from 8–15% of sum insured) is jointly paid by the Central and State Governments in a 50:50 ratio. This heavily subsidised structure makes PMFBY the most affordable crop insurance premium in India for all farmer categories.
Is Punjab covered under PMFBY crop insurance scheme in 2026?
As of May 2026, Punjab has not joined PMFBY. The state has its own compensation mechanism under SDRF/NDRF. However, after the devastating 2025 floods that destroyed over 11.7 lakh hectares of crops, the Central Government has renewed pressure on Punjab to join PMFBY. Farmers in Punjab should check with their district agriculture office for the latest state-level crop insurance scheme notifications for Kharif 2026.
How much premium does a farmer pay per hectare for wheat under PMFBY?
Wheat is a Rabi crop with a farmer premium of 1.5% of sum insured. If the sum insured in your district is Rs.60,000 per hectare, you pay just Rs.900 per hectare per season. In many UP and MP districts, sum insured for wheat ranges from Rs.55,000 to Rs.65,000 per hectare, making the per-hectare premium as low as Rs.825 — among the cheapest agricultural insurance available globally.
What is the last date to apply for PMFBY crop insurance in 2026?
The standard PMFBY enrollment deadlines are July 31 for Kharif 2026 and December 31 for Rabi 2025-26. State-specific cut-off dates may vary by district. After the deadline, no new enrollment is accepted for that season. Missing the deadline means zero coverage for the entire crop season. Apply early at pmfby.gov.in.
How does PMFBY crop insurance differ from RWBCIS?
PMFBY pays claims based on actual yield shortfall assessed through Crop Cutting Experiments (CCEs) on an area basis. RWBCIS pays claims when weather parameters (rainfall, temperature) deviate from pre-defined thresholds, without requiring CCEs. Both schemes charge the same farmer premium rates. PMFBY suits most farmers growing staple crops; RWBCIS is better for horticulture and weather-sensitive crops.
Can tenant farmers and sharecroppers apply for PMFBY 2026?
Yes, absolutely. All farmers — including tenant farmers, sharecroppers, and non-loanee farmers — are eligible for PMFBY crop insurance 2026. You must be cultivating a notified crop in a notified area and enroll before the seasonal deadline. Documents needed include Aadhaar card, bank passbook, land record (or farmer-landlord agreement for tenants), and a sowing certificate if required in your state.
How is PMFBY crop insurance claim paid to farmers in 2026?
PMFBY claims are paid via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) directly to the farmer’s Aadhaar-linked bank account. No intermediary is involved. As of 2025-26, approximately 80% of claims are settled within 30 days of loss verification. Farmers must report crop loss within 72 hours via the PMFBY app or portal. The government disbursed over Rs.10,000 crore in claims in 2024-25 alone.
What documents are needed to apply for PMFBY crop insurance?
To apply for PMFBY 2026 online or offline, you need: (1) Aadhaar card, (2) Bank passbook / account number (Aadhaar-linked), (3) Land records / Khatauni showing Khasra number and area, (4) Sowing certificate (for non-loanee farmers in some states), and (5) Mobile number linked to Aadhaar for OTP verification. Tenant farmers must additionally provide a landlord-tenant agreement or similar document as accepted by the state.
What is the government’s total budget for PMFBY crop insurance in 2026?
Under Union Budget 2025-26, the Government of India allocated Rs.12,242 crore for PMFBY crop insurance — one of the largest annual allocations since the scheme launched in 2016. The government has also approved the scheme’s continuation till FY26 with a total outlay of Rs.69,515 crore for the FY22–FY26 period, plus a Rs.824.77 crore Fund for Innovation and Technology (FIAT) for AI-based yield assessment and automated weather monitoring.
For the most accurate and latest district-wise crop insurance premium figures for 2026, always verify directly on the official PMFBY portal (pmfby.gov.in) or contact the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare (agricoop.nic.in). You can also reach the Kisan Call Centre at 1800-180-1551 (toll-free, Mon–Sat 6 AM–10 PM) for assistance in your regional language.
This guide is regularly reviewed and updated for accuracy. Bookmark this page for the latest PMFBY notifications and crop insurance premium updates. Last Updated: May 2026.
