The Bihar government will start the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, known as PMFBY, from the Rabi season of 2026-27.
Rabi is the winter sowing season for crops like wheat.
The new scheme will replace the existing Bihar State Crop Assistance Scheme.
It is meant to protect farmers from money losses when their crops are damaged.
Key points
- Applications open on November 15, 2026, and close on January 15, 2027.
- The insurance covers damage from natural disasters, pests and diseases.
- There is no maximum limit on the area of land that can be insured.
- Two insurance companies will serve different parts of the state.
Who can apply for crop insurance in Bihar?
Both landowning farmers and non-landowning farmers can benefit. Landowners are called Raiyat farmers.
Those who farm land without ownership rights are called Non-Raiyat farmers.
Non-Raiyat farmers must submit a self-declaration form.
It must be countersigned by a Krishi Salahkar, who is an agriculture advisor, or a Ward Member.
Farmers with a Kisan Credit Card, and landowning farmers who do not have a loan, must register on the AgriStack platform.
They also need a Farmer ID to access the insurance.
How will farmers apply, and what will they pay?
Farmers will pay only a limited share of the insured amount as a premium.
The remaining eligible premium will be covered as per the scheme's rules.
Cooperation Minister Ram Kripal Yadav said farmers with Kisan Credit Cards and loans can get insurance directly through their bank branches.
Other eligible farmers have separate application options.
So what happens if a crop is damaged?
Under the scheme, farmers will receive benefits equal to the cost of cultivation, as per the scheme's provisions.
Which companies will run the scheme, and what is the deadline?
ICICI Lombard General Insurance Company Limited will provide services in 21 districts of North Bihar.
Agriculture Insurance Company of India Limited, known as AIC, will cover 17 districts of South Bihar.
Ram Kripal Yadav urged farmers to enrol within the application period.
The window closes on January 15, 2027, so farmers should apply in time.
Graphic: News Anek, from the facts in this report
