Kolkata, Aug. 28 -- The Centre has accepted the West Bengal government's request and extended the deadline for farmer registration and premium collection under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) for the current Kharif season.
The Union Agriculture Ministry issued a directive allowing both loanee and non-loanee farmers across all districts to benefit from the extension.
The move follows Bengal's recent decision to rejoin the central crop insurance framework after operating its standalone Bangla Fasal Bima Yojana.
The state has proposed to bear 100 per cent of the farmer's premium share, ensuring no out-of-pocket cost.
The scheme offers protection against natural calamities, excessive rainfall, floods, pests, diseases and post-harvest losses, besides newly added coverage for localised wild animal attacks.
The extension is expected to provide relief to farmers during the transition to the central insurance system.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.