Over 12.89 lakh farmers covered under crop insurance: JK Govt informs House

Srinagar: More than 12.89 lakh farmers in Jammu & Kashmir have been covered under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) and the Weather-Based Crop Insurance Scheme, with claims amounting to Rs 221.71 crore disbursed so far, the government informed the Legislative Assembly on Thursday.

According to data presented in the House, the two crop insurance schemes are being implemented across all 20 districts of the Union Territory. The Agriculture Production Minister said the schemes are demand-driven and available to all eligible farmer families in J&K, subject to prescribed guidelines and eligibility conditions.

The government was responding to questions raised by MLAs Farooq Ahmed Shah, Irfan Hafiz Lone and Ghulam Mohi Ud Din Mir.

As per the data, around 13.985 lakh farmer families are eligible to avail benefits under the schemes. Between 2017-18 and 2025-26, a total of 6.86 lakh hectares were brought under crop insurance coverage, benefiting 12,89,917 farmers.

During the period, 3,72,134 crop insurance claims were settled, with cumulative compensation of Rs 221.71 crore released to beneficiaries.

The highest participation was recorded during the Kharif 2025-26 season, when 2,01,480 farmers across all 20 districts were covered. During the same season, 93,680 claims were settled and compensation of Rs 54.80 crore was disbursed.

The government also said PMFBY coverage, which was previously restricted to selected districts, has now been expanded across the Union Territory, allowing more farmers vulnerable to weather-related losses and crop damage to access insurance benefits.