A Study on Performance and Progress of Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana in India

Abstract

In India, agriculture plays a crucial role in supporting approximately one-third of the population, with a vast network of 116 million farms spread across 163 million hectares of land. The majority of farmers, accounting for 80 percent of the total, are classified as small and marginal, owning 2 hectares or less. However, this essential sector faces numerous challenges, primarily due to its heavy reliance on rainfall, as 60 percent of the cultivated land depends on rain-fed irrigation. The unpredictable nature of monsoon rainfall greatly impacts crop growth and output, affecting both rain-fed and irrigated crops. This uncertainty makes agriculture a high-risk industry, and approximately two-thirds of the cultivated land is susceptible to varying degrees of drought, posing operational risks for farmers. Adding to the vulnerability of the sector, natural disasters strike around 12 million hectares of crop area annually, leading to substantial losses in agricultural yields and overall production. These adversities have called for robust and innovative solutions to safeguard farmers' livelihoods and stabilize the agricultural sector. In response to these challenges, the Government of India took a significant step in 2016 by introducing the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana. This essential scheme aims to provide insurance coverage to crops, offering a much-needed safety net for farmers. By offering financial protection against crop failures caused by adverse weather conditions, the program seeks to mitigate the impact of uncertainties related to rainfall and natural disasters. Through the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, the government strives to bolster the agricultural sector by encouraging risk management and providing timely support to farmers during difficult times. By doing so, the scheme aims to enhance the resilience of agriculture, empower small and marginal farmers, and contribute to the overall growth and food security of the nation.This study is an attempt to analyse the performance and progress of the PMFBY in India.