Chief Secy reviews progress of PM Fasal Bima Yojana in J&K
Stresses enhanced farmer coverage and timely settlement of claims
SRINAGAR, JUNE 17 (PTK): Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo today chaired a review meeting of the State Level Coordination Committee on Crop Insurance (SLCCCI) to assess the implementation and progress of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) and related crop insurance schemes across Jammu and Kashmir.
The meeting, attended by the Additional Chief Secretary, Agriculture Production Department (APD), Managing Director J&K Bank, Directors of Agriculture Kashmir and Jammu, Convenor UTLBC and other concerned officers, reviewed the implementation framework of the crop insurance programme across the Union Territory.
The Chief Secretary emphasized the need to ensure coverage of all eligible farmer beneficiaries reflected on the Kisan Rin (KRIN) Portal in accordance with Government of India guidelines. He directed the concerned departments, banks and other stakeholders to work in close coordination to achieve universal coverage of eligible farmers under the scheme.
Dulloo also called for leveraging the ongoing ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’ as an effective platform for creating awareness among farmers and motivating them to avail the benefits of crop insurance. He observed that the campaign offers a valuable opportunity to educate farmers about risk mitigation through insurance and encouraged banks to reach out to Kisan Credit Card (KCC) holders for enrolment under PMFBY.
To strengthen coordination and address implementation challenges at the grassroots level, the Chief Secretary suggested that the Agriculture Production Department designate district-wise nodal officers for PMFBY. He said these officers should work closely with banks, insurance companies and district administrations to facilitate seamless enrolment and resolve bottlenecks.
Reiterating the Government’s commitment towards safeguarding farmers against crop losses caused by natural calamities and adverse weather events, the Chief Secretary stressed the importance of collective efforts by all stakeholders to expand insurance coverage and enhance financial security for the farming community.
Additional Chief Secretary, Agriculture Production Department, Dr. Ashish Chandra Verma, presented a detailed overview of the scheme’s performance since its inception, including the status of Kharif 2025 claims, Rabi 2025-26 coverage, saturation of loanee farmers and implementation of the Restructured Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme (RWBCIS).
He emphasized the need to increase awareness at the grassroots level and said the Agriculture Production Department would utilize the ongoing ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’ and other government outreach programmes to educate farmers about the benefits of crop insurance.
The meeting was informed that since the launch of PMFBY in Jammu and Kashmir, more than 12.89 lakh farmers have been covered under the scheme, with over 6.85 lakh farmers benefiting through claim settlements.
Officials further informed that a cumulative area of over 4.05 lakh hectares has been insured under the scheme till Rabi 2025. Against a cumulative premium collection of ₹463.37 crore, claims amounting to ₹220.35 crore have been settled in favour of farmers.
Reviewing Kharif 2025 claims, the meeting was informed that claims worth ₹53.58 crore have been submitted covering 1.27 lakh farmers across the Union Territory. Nearly 2.01 lakh farmers were enrolled under PMFBY during Kharif 2025, covering an insured area of more than 75,000 hectares.
The meeting also reviewed localized calamity and post-harvest loss claims reported during Rabi 2025-26. Over 2,100 loss intimations involving claims exceeding ₹5.52 crore have been received, with the Agriculture Production Department coordinating with stakeholders for timely processing and settlement.
The Chief Secretary was informed that Jammu and Kashmir has recorded significant growth in farmer enrolment and area coverage during Rabi 2025-26 compared to the previous season and has emerged among the best-performing States and Union Territories in terms of enrolment growth.
The meeting also deliberated on the implementation of the Restructured Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme (RWBCIS), including premium structures, financial implications, tendering processes and the forthcoming national tender cycle beginning from Kharif 2026.
Emphasizing the need to safeguard farmers’ interests while ensuring fiscal prudence, the Chief Secretary directed the Agriculture Production Department to complete all preparatory measures required for timely implementation of crop insurance schemes in accordance with Government of India guidelines.
He reiterated the Government’s commitment to strengthening crop insurance coverage and enhancing the resilience of the farming sector against weather-related and production risks, thereby ensuring greater income security for farmers across Jammu and Kashmir.(PTK)
