Punjab farmers missed flood relief as state yet to implement PM Fasal BIma Yojana: Shivraj Singh Chouhan
Babushahi Bureau
New Delhi, December 14, 2025: Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Friday told the Rajya Sabha that Punjab has still not rolled out the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), stating that timely implementation of the scheme could have provided significant relief to farmers affected by recent floods in the state.
Replying to supplementary questions during Question Hour, Chouhan said agricultural production across the country has witnessed a record 44 per cent growth between 2014 and 2024. He attributed this increase to the adoption of modern technology, improved systems, and sustained government support aimed at raising crop yield per hectare while reducing input costs.
The minister highlighted that the Centre is extending substantial financial assistance to farmers. He said nearly ₹2 lakh crore is being spent annually on fertiliser subsidies to ease cultivation expenses. Additionally, about ₹4.09 lakh crore has been transferred directly into farmers’ bank accounts under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme.
Chouhan further informed the House that ₹1.90 lakh crore has been disbursed to farmers under the crop insurance scheme, while loans worth ₹15 lakh crore have been provided at concessional rates through various government programmes.
Emphasising the importance of crop insurance, he said the Fasal Bima Yojana acts as a safeguard for farmers when crops are damaged due to natural calamities. However, he pointed out that Punjab has not yet adopted the scheme, depriving farmers of its benefits during disasters such as floods.
Responding to a question raised by AAP MP Sant Balbir Singh, the minister said he has already written to the Punjab Chief Minister, urging the state government to implement the PMFBY at the earliest to ensure farmers receive adequate protection and compensation in times of crop loss.
By HK