THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BHUBANESWAR, JULY 8, 2026

In a major farmer-friendly initiative ahead of the upcoming Kharif season, the Cooperation Department of the Government of Odisha has notified the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) for Kharif 2026, offering eligible farmers free crop insurance coverage for up to five acres.

The flagship crop insurance scheme aims to provide comprehensive financial protection against crop losses caused by natural calamities such as drought, dry spells, floods, inundation, cyclones, hailstorms, landslides and lightning.

The notified crops under PMFBY Kharif 2026 include paddy, maize, groundnut, ragi, cotton, red gram, ginger and turmeric in designated areas across the state.

The standout feature of the scheme this year is that eligible farmers can avail insurance coverage completely free of cost for up to five acres by paying only a nominal ₹1 per plot towards account validation. The entire insurance premium on behalf of farmers will be borne by the Odisha Government with support from the Government of India.

The scheme is open to all categories of farmers, including loanee farmers, non-loanee farmers and sharecroppers.

Loanee farmers can enrol through their respective PACS/LAMPCS or concerned bank branches, while non-loanee farmers can register through Common Service Centres (CSCs), Cooperative Banks, Commercial Bank branches, Insurance Intermediaries or approved digital platforms.

Aadhaar number or Aadhaar enrolment proof is mandatory for enrolment. Farmers have been advised to keep their land records, bank account details and crop-related documents ready. Officials of PACS/LAMPCS will extend necessary assistance during the enrolment process.

Apart from protecting standing crops, the scheme also covers localized calamities and post-harvest losses, providing wider insurance protection than many conventional crop insurance options.

The last date for enrolment under PMFBY Kharif 2026 is July 31, 2026. Farmers cultivating notified crops in notified areas have been urged to complete their registration well before the deadline.

For assistance, farmers may approach their nearest PACS/LAMPCS, bank branch, CSC, ARCS, DRCS, CDAO office or insurance representatives.