Kashmir, September 25,2026– In a significant reflection of the growing reach of crop insurance schemes in the Union Territory, over 12.89 lakh farmers across Jammu & Kashmir have been brought under the ambit of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) and the Weather-Based Crop Insurance Scheme (WBCIS) since 2017-18. The figures underscore the steady expansion of financial protection mechanisms designed to shield the region’s agrarian community from the uncertainties of crop loss and extreme weather events.
According to official data, more than 3.72 lakh claims have been settled under these schemes so far, with a total disbursement of ₹221.71 crore to affected farmers. This substantial payout reflects not just the scale of enrollment but also the tangible, on-ground impact of the insurance schemes in compensating farmers for losses arising from natural calamities, pest attacks, and adverse weather conditions.
Notably, coverage under PMFBY and WBCIS now extends across all 20 districts of Jammu & Kashmir, ensuring that farmers from the Kashmir Valley to the Jammu plains, and even in remote and hilly terrains, have access to a structured safety net against agricultural risks. This universal district-level coverage marks a critical achievement in the government’s broader push to make crop insurance inclusive and accessible to every farming household in the Union Territory, regardless of geography or crop type.
The PMFBY, launched by the Government of India in 2016, was designed to provide comprehensive risk coverage to farmers against non-preventable natural risks from pre-sowing to post-harvest stages. The WBCIS, on the other hand, focuses specifically on weather-related parameters such as rainfall, temperature, and humidity, offering payouts based on deviations from normal weather patterns rather than actual yield losses. Together, these two schemes form a robust dual mechanism that addresses both yield-based and weather-based risks faced by farmers.
Agriculture remains a critical livelihood source for a large section of Jammu & Kashmir’s population, with farmers often exposed to unpredictable weather patterns, including untimely rains, hailstorms, and temperature fluctuations that can devastate crops within days. The insurance schemes have therefore emerged as a vital financial cushion, helping farming families recover from losses without falling into debt or economic distress.
Officials associated with the implementation of these schemes have emphasized that continuous efforts are being made to increase farmer awareness and participation, particularly in remote districts where enrollment has historically been lower due to limited access to information and insurance infrastructure. Awareness camps, coordination with local agriculture departments, and simplified claim settlement processes have all contributed to the steady rise in both enrollment numbers and claim disbursements over the years.
The expansion of coverage to all 20 districts also signals improved administrative coordination between the central government, the Union Territory administration, and insurance service providers. This ensures that farmers, irrespective of which district they belong to, are not left without protection during crop-damaging events.
As climate variability continues to pose challenges to agricultural output across the country, schemes like PMFBY and WBCIS are increasingly seen as essential tools for safeguarding rural livelihoods. For Jammu & Kashmir, where agriculture and horticulture form the backbone of the rural economy, the steady rise in coverage and claim settlements offers a measure of financial security to lakhs of farming families.
Going forward, sustained efforts toward expanding awareness, ensuring timely claim settlements, and improving accessibility in far-flung areas will be key to maximizing the benefits of these schemes and further strengthening the resilience of Jammu & Kashmir’s farming community against the growing risks of climate-related crop losses.
