Rajasthan Farmers Protest Over Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana Insurance Claims; Pending Payments Fuel Agitations

Jaipur, Rajasthan — Farmers across several districts in Rajasthan have resumed protests over delayed and unpaid crop insurance claims under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY). The agitation highlights long-standing grievances regarding PMFBY crop insurance claim delays, lack of transparency, and alleged irregularities in claim settlements by insurance companies.

Tractor March and Farmers’ Demands

In Churu district, agricultural labourers and small farmers organised a Kisan Ekta Tractor March on November 17 to demand the release of outstanding insurance payouts dating back to the 2021 Kharif season. However, the march was halted midway by authorities, with several tractors seized, prompting tense negotiations between farmer leaders and the Rajasthan Agriculture Ministry.

Farmers are calling for:

• Immediate payment of pending PMFBY insurance claims worth hundreds of crores
• Transparency in the PMFBY online insurance portal and claim processing
• Faster crop damage assessments and settlements by insurance firms
• Inclusion of key crops such as mung and chickpea in related support schemes
• Action against fertiliser shortages and black marketing in rural markets

Scale of Pending Insurance Claims

Official data presented in the Lok Sabha shows that between 2020-21 and 2023-24, approximately ₹17,421 crore in PMFBY claims were reported in Rajasthan, of which nearly ₹947 crore remain unpaid by insurance companies. Among the worst-affected districts are Jodhpur (₹136.53 crore), Nagaur (₹126.79 crore), Ajmer (₹118.06 crore) and Jaipur (₹116.40 crore).

Farmer Frustration Over Claim Denials

Many farmers report that despite suffering extensive crop losses due to weather events and pest damage, insurance companies repeatedly reject claims or delay inspections. For instance, farmers in some districts say their millet and mung crops were destroyed by 50–70%, yet they have not received any compensation despite lodging claims in previous seasons.

Complaints also include a lack of field verification visits by insurance officials and poor communication about how claims are assessed — grievances that have eroded confidence in the scheme’s ability to provide timely financial relief.

Allegations of Irregularities and Investigation Calls

Rajasthan’s Agriculture Minister Kirori Lal Meena has publicly accused several insurance companies of irregular practices, including failure to conduct proper crop surveys and submitting allegedly fraudulent signatures on claim documents. Ministers have demanded action against firms violating PMFBY guidelines and urged stricter oversight in crop insurance settlements.

Challenges in Crop Insurance Implementation

Experts and farmer groups point to systemic issues within the PMFBY framework that contribute to such protests:

• Delayed crop loss assessments and long verification periods
• Insufficient transparency in premium receipts and claim records
• Stringent documentation requirements that disadvantage smallholders
• Reduced budget allocations for PMFBY compared to previous years

Agricultural sector stakeholders argue that reforms are necessary to strengthen crop insurance implementation, simplify claim processes, and protect farmers from financial distress caused by natural calamities and market vulnerabilities.

Government Response and Next Steps

Following protests and negotiations, the Rajasthan government has pledged to expedite the settlement of outstanding claims and engage with insurers to resolve procedural bottlenecks. Farmers have temporarily suspended planned demonstrations but say they will resume if significant progress is not made.

The situation underscores the broader challenges facing India’s flagship crop insurance programme — particularly the need for faster claim payouts, greater accountability, and better support systems for small and marginal farmers dependent on timely PMFBY compensation.

pawni-uprari

Pawni Uprari hails from Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, and is currently pursuing a B.Sc. (Hons.) in Agriculture at G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology. With a strong academic foundation in agricultural sciences, she has a keen interest in exploring emerging innovations, sustainable practices, and policy-driven advancements in the agricultural sector. She is enthusiastic about contributing insightful articles and research-based content that highlight contemporary developments and support the growth of the farming community.