Tamil Nadu Urges Farmers to Enrol Under PMFBY Before July 31 for Kuruvai Season

The Tamil Nadu government has urged farmers to enrol their crops under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) before July 31, 2026, to safeguard against losses from adverse weather during the ongoing Kuruvai cultivation season. Agriculture Minister R. Vinoth said the scheme is being implemented for 2026-27, with cultivation already under way on nearly nine lakh acres statewide, including about six lakh acres under paddy.

Historical Background

PMFBY was launched by the Government of India in 2016, replacing earlier crop insurance schemes like the National Agricultural Insurance Scheme (NAIS) and Modified NAIS, to provide comprehensive risk cover for crops against natural calamities.

Previous Related Events

Tamil Nadu has consistently notified paddy, pulses, oilseeds, cotton and horticultural crops under PMFBY each cropping season, coordinating with district administrations for farmer enrolment drives.

Why Important for TNPSC

Agricultural schemes and insurance mechanisms are a core topic in TNPSC exams under Economy and Tamil Nadu-specific governance sections.

Economic Relevance

Crop insurance reduces farmer distress from weather-related losses, stabilising rural incomes and indirectly supporting the state's agricultural GDP contribution.

Tamil Nadu Relevance

26 crops are notified under PMFBY in Tamil Nadu for 2026-27, including 14 field crops (paddy, maize, black gram, green gram, groundnut, cotton, millets) and 12 horticultural crops (banana, onion, potato, tomato, turmeric, ginger, cabbage).

Key Highlights

• Enrolment deadline: July 31, 2026 for Kuruvai season.
• Nearly 9 lakh acres under cultivation so far; paddy on about 6 lakh acres.
• 26 crops notified under the scheme in Tamil Nadu.

Important Facts

• PMFBY premium rates: 2% for Kharif food & oilseed crops, 1.5% for Rabi, 5% for commercial/horticultural crops (farmer share).
• Kuruvai is a short-duration paddy crop grown in June-September in the Cauvery delta region.

Important Years and Dates

• 2016 - PMFBY launched.
• July 31, 2026 - TN enrolment deadline for Kuruvai season.

Ministries Involved

Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare; Tamil Nadu Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.

Important Personalities

R. Vinoth, Tamil Nadu Agriculture Minister.

Important Acts and Schemes

Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), 2016.

Related Static GK

Kuruvai, Samba and Thaladi are the three principal paddy seasons of Tamil Nadu, tied to the Cauvery delta's irrigation cycle.

Important Terms and Definitions

Crop insurance: financial protection to farmers against yield losses arising from natural calamities, pests or diseases.

Exam-Oriented Notes

Remember PMFBY's launch year (2016) and the differential premium rates for Kharif, Rabi and commercial crops.

Memorization Points

• PMFBY launched: 2016.
• TN 2026-27 crops notified: 26.
• Enrolment deadline: July 31, 2026.

TNPSC-style MCQs

1. In which year was the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana launched?

• A) 2014
• B) 2016
• C) 2018
• D) 2020

Answer: B) 2016

Explanation: PMFBY was launched in 2016, replacing earlier crop insurance schemes.

2. What is the farmer's premium share for Kharif food and oilseed crops under PMFBY?

• A) 1.5%
• B) 2%
• C) 5%
• D) 10%

Answer: B) 2%

Explanation: Farmers pay 2% of the sum insured for Kharif food and oilseed crops under PMFBY.

3. Kuruvai is a paddy season primarily associated with which Tamil Nadu region?

• A) Nilgiris
• B) Cauvery delta
• C) Coimbatore plateau
• D) Kanyakumari coast

Answer: B) Cauvery delta

Explanation: Kuruvai is a short-duration paddy crop grown mainly in the Cauvery delta districts between June and September.