Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, today chaired a review meeting of the State Level Coordination Committee on Crop Insurance (SLCCCI) to assess the implementation and progress of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) and related crop insurance schemes across Jammu and Kashmir.

The meeting besides ACS, APD was attended by the MD, J&K Bank; Director, Agriculture, Kashmir/Jammu; Convenor, UTLBC and other concerned officers from the Department.

While reviewing the implementation framework of PMFBY, the Chief Secretary emphasized the need to ensure coverage of all eligible farmer beneficiaries reflected on the Kisan Rin (KRIN) Portal in accordance with the guidelines of the Government of India. He directed the concerned departments, banks and other stakeholders to work in close coordination for achieving universal coverage of eligible farmers under the scheme.

 Dulloo also called for leveraging the ongoing 'Khet Bachao Abhiyan' as an effective platform for creating awareness among farmers and motivating them to avail the benefits of crop insurance. He observed that the campaign presents a valuable opportunity to educate farmers about the importance of risk mitigation through insurance and to encourage their enrolment under this farmer-centric welfare schemes. He also directed the banks to outreach their KCC customers for their enrolment under PMFBY here.

To strengthen coordination and address implementation challenges at the grassroots level, the Chief Secretary suggested that the Agriculture Production Department designate district-wise nodal officers for PMFBY. These officers, he said, should work closely with banks, insurance companies and district administrations to identify and resolve bottlenecks, facilitate seamless enrolment of eligible farmers and ensure smooth implementation of the scheme across all districts of the UT

Reiterating the Government's commitment towards safeguarding farmers against crop losses arising from natural calamities and adverse weather events, the Chief Secretary stressed the importance of collective efforts by all stakeholders to expand insurance coverage and enhance financial security of the farming community in Jammu and Kashmir.

During the meeting, the ACS, Agriculture Production Department, Dr Ashish Chandra Verma gave a detailed overview of the scheme's performance since its inception, status of claims under Kharif 2025, coverage achieved during Rabi 2025-26, saturation of loanee farmers under the scheme and the implementation status of the Restructured Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme (RWBCIS).

He underscored the need for creating greater awareness about the benefits of crop insurance at the grassroots level to enhance farmer participation under PMFBY. He observed that, besides leveraging the media for wider dissemination of information, the Agriculture Production Department will utilize the ongoing 'Khet Bachao Abhiyan' and other Government-sponsored outreach programmes and events as effective platforms for educating farmers about the scheme and encouraging them to avail its benefits.

The meeting was further informed by Director Agriculture, Kashmir that since the launch of PMFBY in Jammu and Kashmir, more than 12.89 lakh farmers have been covered under the scheme, with over 6.85 lakh farmers benefiting through claim settlements.

He further elaborated that a cumulative area of over 4.05 lakh hectares has been insured under the scheme till Rabi 2025. Against a cumulative premium collection of Rs 463.37 Cr, claims amounting to Rs 220.35 Cr have been settled in favour of farmers, providing crucial financial support against crop losses.

Reviewing the status of Kharif 2025 claims, it was divulged that claims amounting to Rs 53.58 Cr have been submitted covering 1.27 lakh farmers across the Union Territory. Of these, nearly 2.01 lakh farmers were enrolled under PMFBY during Kharif 2025, covering an insured area of more than 75,000 hectares.

The meeting also reviewed localized calamity and post-harvest loss claims reported during Rabi 2025-26. It was informed that over 2,100 loss intimations have been received from farmers, involving a claim amount exceeding Rs 5.52 Cr. The Agriculture Production Department is closely coordinating with stakeholders to ensure prompt processing and settlement of eligible claims.

On the coverage achieved during Rabi 2025-26, the Chief Secretary was informed that Jammu and Kashmir has registered significant growth in farmer enrolment and area coverage under the crop insurance programme compared to the previous season. The Union Territory recorded one of the highest growth rates in farmer enrolment among participating States and Union Territories, the meeting was apprised.

Regarding the status of coverage of Kisan Credit Card (KCC) holders under PMFBY it was observed that while substantial progress has been achieved, there remains considerable scope for improving saturation levels among eligible loanee farmers..

The meeting further deliberated on the implementation of the Restructured Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme (RWBCIS) in Jammu and Kashmir. Detailed presentations were made regarding premium structures, financial implications and tendering processes.

 The advisories issued by the Government of India concerning proposed revisions in the operational guidelines of PMFBY and RWBCIS and the forthcoming national tender cycle beginning from Kharif 2026 also came up for discussion during the meeting.

Emphasizing the need to safeguard farmers' interests while ensuring fiscal prudence, the Chief Secretary directed the Agriculture Production Department to undertake all preparatory measures required for timely implementation of crop insurance schemes in accordance with Government of India guidelines and emerging policy frameworks.

He reiterated the Government's commitment to strengthening crop insurance coverage and enhancing resilience of the farming sector against weather-related and other production risks, thereby ensuring greater income security for farmers across Jammu and Kashmir.