2% Premium, Full Protection: AP Pushes Final PMFBY Enrolment Drive

Farmers across Andhra Pradesh have been urged to complete their Kharif crop insurance registration before the July 31 deadline, with Agriculture Minister Kinjarapu Atchannaidu warning that those who fail to enrol may miss out on financial assistance in the event of crop losses caused by natural calamities during the current season.

Describing crop insurance as an essential safeguard for the farming community, the minister said the scheme provides crucial financial support to farmers affected by unseasonal rains, floods, drought, cyclones and other weather-related disasters. He urged eligible farmers not to miss the final opportunity to secure coverage under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) for the current Kharif season.

Atchannaidu cautioned farmers against waiting until the last few hours to complete the registration process, noting that server congestion, technical glitches or heavy rush at enrolment centres could lead to delays. He said registrations may not be accepted after the deadline, leaving farmers without insurance protection for the season.

The minister noted that agriculture remains highly vulnerable to climatic uncertainties and that a single adverse weather event can wipe out months of hard work and investment. Crop insurance, he said, acts as a financial cushion, enabling farmers to recover from losses and continue cultivation without severe financial distress.

To make enrolment easier, the state government has enabled registrations through the PMFBY Crop Insurance Farmer App, allowing farmers to apply directly using their smartphones. Registration facilities are also available at Common Service Centres (CSCs), banks, Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies (PACS) and Agriculture Department offices at the village and mandal levels.

Farmers have been advised to keep essential documents ready, including Aadhaar, bank account details, land ownership or cultivation records, crop details and a registered mobile number. The minister also urged applicants to preserve the acknowledgement receipt after registration, as it will be required while filing insurance claims.

Launched in 2016, PMFBY is India's flagship crop insurance programme, providing comprehensive coverage against prevented sowing, standing crop losses, post-harvest damage and localised natural calamities. Under the scheme, farmers cultivating notified Kharif foodgrain and oilseed crops pay only 2% of the insured sum as premium, with the remaining premium shared by the Centre and the state government.

Reaffirming the government's commitment to farmer welfare, Atchannaidu said Agriculture Department officials have been directed to intensify awareness campaigns to ensure every eligible farmer is brought under the scheme. He advised farmers facing any difficulty during registration to immediately contact their nearest agriculture officials for assistance.