Wild Animal Attacks and Floods: New Protections for Farmers Under PMFBY

Starting from Kharif 2026, the PMFBY will cover crop losses due to wild animal attacks and paddy inundation from floods, addressing longstanding farmer concerns. This initiative will benefit regions near forests and flood-prone areas, offering technology-based claim settlements for affected farmers across several Indian states.

The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) will expand its coverage to include crop losses from wild animal attacks and inundation due to floods, beginning with the Kharif 2026 sowing season. This move aims to provide crucial relief for farmers affected by these factors, the government announced on Tuesday.

The agriculture ministry highlighted the persistent issue of crop damage in regions near forests and wildlife corridors, caused by elephants, wild boars, and other wild animals. In flood-prone and coastal areas, paddy farmers often suffer losses due to heavy rains. These challenges have historically left substantial portions of crop damage uncompensated under previous insurance frameworks.

In an effort to rectify this, the Department of Agriculture's expert committee proposed recommendations, now approved, for the inclusion of 'crop loss due to wild animal attacks and paddy inundation' under the PMFBY. The revised scheme is designed to facilitate faster, technology-based claim settlements, benefiting diverse states facing high levels of human-wildlife conflict and recurring floods.

(With inputs from agencies.)