THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BHUBANESWAR, AUGUST 3, 2026

In a major relief for farmers, the enrolment deadline under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) for the Kharif 2026 season in Odisha has been extended from July 31 to August 15, 2026, providing additional time for eligible cultivators to secure insurance coverage for their crops.

The extension was approved by the Union Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare following a request from the Cooperation Department of the Odisha Government, according to an official press brief.

The extended enrolment window is expected to enable more farmers to avail themselves of insurance protection against crop losses arising from natural calamities and other notified risks during the Kharif season.

Under PMFBY for Kharif 2026, the notified crops include paddy, maize, groundnut, ragi, cotton, red gram, ginger and turmeric in the designated areas. The scheme covers loanee farmers, non-loanee farmers and sharecroppers, ensuring broad-based inclusion across the farming community.

The Odisha Government is offering crop insurance coverage free of cost for up to five acres per farmer, while beneficiaries are required to pay only a nominal charge of Re 1 per plot for account validation. The farmers' premium share is being fully borne by the State Government, with additional subsidy support from the Government of India.

Farmers seeking enrolment must possess an Aadhaar number or proof of Aadhaar enrolment and keep essential documents ready, including land records, bank account details and crop-related information.

Loanee farmers can enrol through their respective PACS/LAMPCS or bank branches, while non-loanee farmers may register through Common Service Centres (CSCs), cooperative banks, commercial bank branches, insurance intermediaries and approved digital platforms. Assistance is also available at nearby PACS/LAMPCS, ARCS, DRCS, CDAO offices and authorised insurance representatives.

Appealing to farmers yet to register under the scheme, the Cooperation Department urged all eligible cultivators to utilise the extended deadline and complete enrolment by August 15 to ensure timely financial protection for their crops, particularly in an El Niño year.