India Boosts Agricultural Budget for Farmers
The Government of India has reaffirmed its commitment to farmers by significantly increasing the budget for the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. The allocation has risen from ₹1,32,469.86 crore for the fiscal year 2024-25 to ₹1,37,756.55 crore for 2025-26. This move aims to enhance support for agricultural initiatives and improve the overall welfare of farmers across the nation.
Reduction in Insurance Premiums Under PMFBY
The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) has seen a notable reduction in premium rates due to various government interventions. The premium rate dropped from 15.9% in 2020-21 to 10.8% in 2023-24, leading to a decrease in the government’s financial liability. The revised estimates for 2024-25 have increased to ₹15,864 crore, up from ₹14,600 crore in the initial budget estimates. Additionally, the Union Cabinet approved an exemption from the 10% mandatory allocation for the North Eastern Region, allowing for better fund utilization in non-NER states. Consequently, the budget estimate for 2025-26 has been set at ₹12,242 crore, ensuring sufficient resources for the scheme.
Addressing Grievances and Complaints
While most claims under the PMFBY are settled promptly, some issues have arisen, including delayed payments and discrepancies in yield data. To tackle these complaints, the government has established a structured grievance redressal mechanism. This includes the formation of District Level Grievance Redressal Committees (DGRC) and State Level Grievance Redressal Committees (SGRC) to address farmers’ concerns effectively. These committees are tasked with hearing grievances and resolving them according to established procedures, ensuring that farmers receive timely assistance.
Enhanced Grievance Redressal Mechanisms
To further streamline the grievance resolution process, the government has launched the Krishi Rakshak Portal and Helpline (KRPH). This initiative features a toll-free number, 14447, linked to the insurance companies’ database, allowing farmers to report issues directly. The government has also set specific timelines for resolving these grievances, aiming to improve transparency and accountability in the process. Regular monitoring of insurance companies is conducted through weekly video conferences and national review meetings to ensure timely claim settlements. Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Ramnath Thakur, provided this information in a written response during a Lok Sabha session, highlighting the government’s ongoing efforts to enhance the PMFBY and support farmers effectively.
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