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The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) was launched to provide financial protection to farmers whose crops are damaged due to natural calamities. Under the scheme, compensation for the 2024 Kharif and 2024–25 Rabi seasons has already been credited to farmers’ bank accounts. However, many farmers are reporting that the payout they received is far less than their actual crop loss.

Farmers Raising Concerns Over Low Payouts

Several farmers across the country have alleged that the compensation credited is not in proportion to their losses. For instance, a farmer from Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh, reported that he received only ₹1,274 as a claim for the 2024 Kharif season, even though he had paid nearly ₹30,000 in premiums.

The farmer explained that he had cultivated soybean on 21 acres of land, but due to poor rainfall, the entire crop was damaged. Based on his calculations, the insured value of his crop was around ₹7 lakh, yet the insurance company disbursed a meager amount, leaving him disappointed.

If you are facing a similar issue, there are ways to file a complaint and seek redressal.

How the Premium and Compensation Are Calculated

Under PMFBY, farmers pay a nominal premium:

• 2% for Kharif crops

• 1.5% for Rabi crops

• 4% for commercial crops

The remaining premium is paid by the central and state governments. Farmers can also use the official Fasal Bima Calculator to check how much premium they need to pay based on the crop type, season, state, district, and acreage.

When it comes to compensation, the payout is calculated using a specific formula:

(Threshold Yield – Actual Yield) ÷ Threshold Yield × Sum Insured\text{(Threshold Yield – Actual Yield) ÷ Threshold Yield × Sum Insured}(Threshold Yield – Actual Yield) ÷ Threshold Yield × Sum Insured

• Threshold Yield: Calculated from the average of the past five years’ crop yields, excluding extreme high-yield years.

• Actual Yield: The crop yield assessed during the insured season.

• Sum Insured: The fixed value per hectare determined for each crop.

For example, if the threshold yield is 2240 kg per hectare, the actual yield is 3000 kg, and the insured amount is ₹20,000 per hectare, then the claim calculation will look like this:

2240–30002240×20,000=₹6,785 per hectare\frac{2240 – 3000}{2240} × 20,000 = ₹6,785 \text{ per hectare}22402240–3000​×20,000=₹6,785 per hectare

This means that based on actual crop loss, a farmer should ideally receive ₹6,785 per hectare as compensation.

What To Do If You Receive Less Compensation

If you feel your insurance payout does not match your crop loss, you can file a complaint through the following channels:

• Call the PMFBY Helpline at 14447

• Visit your nearest agriculture center

• Contact the insurance company’s local office directly

By lodging a formal complaint, farmers can ensure their grievances are registered and reviewed by the concerned authorities.

Why Filing Complaints Matters

The success of PMFBY lies in its ability to genuinely support farmers during crop failures. If farmers do not raise their concerns, under-compensation issues may go unnoticed. By reporting such cases, farmers not only safeguard their own interests but also help improve the system for others.

Final Words

The PM Fasal Bima Yojana was designed to provide security and financial relief to farmers during times of crisis. While the scheme has benefitted millions, issues of inadequate compensation continue to surface. If you too have received a lower payout than expected, do not remain silent—file a complaint and demand the rightful claim for your hard work.

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