₹3900 Crore Crop Insurance Payout Credited Directly to 35 Lakh Farmers under PMFBY
Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Monday digitally transferred crop insurance payouts worth ₹3,900 crore directly to the bank accounts of nearly 35 lakh farmers under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY).
Jhunjhunu (Rajasthan), August 11: In a major push for farmer welfare, Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Monday digitally transferred crop insurance payouts worth ₹3,900 crore directly to the bank accounts of nearly 35 lakh farmers under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY).
Speaking at the event in Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan, Chouhan said the move underscores the government’s commitment to protecting farmers’ livelihoods. He was joined by Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare Bhagirath Choudhary, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, and Rajasthan Agriculture Minister Kirodi Lal Meena, with lakhs of farmers across states participating virtually.
Highlighting reforms in crop insurance, Chouhan noted that earlier compensation was paid only if crops across an entire tehsil or block were destroyed. “Prime Minister Narendra Modi changed the system so that even if a single farmer’s crop is damaged, compensation is provided,” he said.
Since PMFBY’s launch in 2016, ₹2.12 lakh crore has been disbursed to farmers, Chouhan informed. He also pointed to other welfare schemes, including the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana, which has transferred ₹3.75 lakh crore directly to farmers, and extensive fertiliser subsidies that keep prices far below market rates.
The minister announced that agricultural research will now be demand-driven, focusing on quality seeds for crops such as moong, urad, soybean, and millet. He also said that scientists would be deployed to villages in case of crop virus outbreaks and would visit rural areas post-Kharif under the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan to share farming expertise for the Rabi season.
Chouhan stressed that minimum support prices have been set at 50% above production costs, with government procurement schemes ensuring income security for farmers. He also pledged tougher laws against counterfeit fertilisers and a special roadmap for agricultural development in Rajasthan.
Urging citizens to adopt Swadeshi products, Chouhan said such choices strengthen small artisans, boost the economy, and align with the government’s vision for self-reliance.
