Centre Expands Farm Insurance to Cover Wild Animal Attacks and Paddy Inundation

Introduction

The central government has expanded the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) to include two more risks: wild animal attacks and paddy inundation. These changes will apply from the Kharif 2026 season. The update is aimed at providing better protection to farmers who often suffer losses that are localised but severe. This article explains the new provisions and what they mean for farmers in different parts of the country.

Why These Additions Were Needed

Farmers in many regions face repeated crop losses because of wild animals entering fields. In some areas, paddy fields also remain submerged due to heavy rain or overflowing water bodies. These losses are usually confined to small areas, making them hard to cover under normal insurance rules. Many states and farmer groups have been requesting coverage for these specific risks for years. The new update attempts to respond to those concerns.

What the New Coverage Includes

The expansion adds two categories of risk. First, damage caused by wild animals will now be part of the localised risk category as an add-on cover. Second, paddy inundation has been reintroduced under localised calamity cover. Paddy inundation refers to the submergence of paddy fields due to excessive water, which leads to crop loss.

How States Will Identify Risks

Each state will have to list the wild animals responsible for crop damage in that region. States will also identify districts and smaller units where such attacks are common. This will be based on past data of crop losses. For paddy inundation, states will identify areas that face frequent flooding or long periods of standing water. This ensures that the insurance cover is applied where it is actually needed.

How Farmers Will File Claims

To claim insurance for these risks, farmers must report crop loss within 72 hours. They have to do this through the Crop Insurance App. The report must include geotagged photographs of the damaged crop. This digital process reduces delays and helps verify the claim faster. Farmers can get help from local agriculture officers or common service centres if they are not familiar with the app.

Role of Technology in Verification

Technology will play a major role in checking claims. Geotagged photos provide time and location details, which helps insurers verify if the damage is genuine. This limits the need for manual inspection and reduces disputes. Remote-sensing tools and satellite images may also be used to support verification.

Impact on Farmers Facing Wildlife Conflict

Farmers living near forests and hills are among those who will benefit the most. In states like Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand and many northeastern states, animals like wild boars, elephants, nilgai, deer, and monkeys often destroy standing crops. For many households, this loss directly affects their income and food security. The new insurance cover offers a way to recover at least part of their losses.

Importance of Reintroducing Paddy Inundation Cover

The paddy inundation cover was earlier part of PMFBY but was removed in 2018. Farmers in flood-prone regions struggled after this removal, as flooding affects paddy more than most other crops. In many parts of Assam, West Bengal, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, and coastal Maharashtra, paddy fields regularly face waterlogging. The reintroduction of this cover fills a gap that had been troubling farmers in these areas.

Role of Expert Committee

To prepare these changes, the Agriculture Ministry formed a committee of experts. The committee reviewed data on crop damage caused by wild animals and inundation, studied current patterns, and proposed a structure for including these risks. The suggestions were accepted, and the new coverage was framed accordingly. The process helps ensure that the insurance expansion is based on clear rules and practical considerations.

Challenges in Implementation

Although the expansion of coverage is helpful, it brings some challenges. Many farmers may find it difficult to report losses within 72 hours, especially in remote areas with limited internet access. There is also the question of how insurance companies will manage the increased workload. States will need to build awareness among farmers and provide support in using digital tools. Local officers will have to be trained to respond quickly to loss reports.

Effect on Insurance Costs

The expanded coverage could increase the cost of insurance. However, under PMFBY, farmers pay a fixed premium while the remaining cost is shared by the Centre and the states. For farmers, the added risks are available without any major change in their premium burden. States and insurers will need to adjust their budgets and risk-sharing plans to include the new provisions.

Expected Benefits for Farmers

If carried out effectively, the new coverage will reduce uncertainty for farmers. Crop losses from animal attacks are unpredictable and often leave farmers with no financial support. Paddy inundation can wipe out an entire season’s effort. With insurance protection, farmers may gain more confidence to continue farming and avoid distress borrowing. The coverage also encourages states to map risks more accurately and respond better.

Policy Direction for the Future

The expansion shows the government’s intention to make crop insurance more flexible and suited to local needs. More reforms may follow as technology improves and risk patterns change. The move also signals a shift towards addressing specific, on-ground challenges rather than only large-scale disasters.

Conclusion

By adding wild animal attacks and paddy inundation to PMFBY, the Centre has strengthened the crop insurance framework. Farmers in many vulnerable regions now have a chance to recover part of their losses from these localised risks. Implementation will require cooperation between the Centre, states, insurers, and local communities. If executed well, this update can offer meaningful support to farmers and improve the effectiveness of crop insurance across the country.