Bhubaneswar: In a major relief for farmers, the enrolment deadline under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) for the Kharif 2026 season in Odisha has been extended from July 31 to August 15, 2026.
The extension was approved by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India, following a request from the Odisha Cooperation Department. The decision provides an additional opportunity for eligible farmers to enrol under the flagship crop insurance scheme and secure financial protection against crop losses caused by natural calamities and other notified risks.
The notified crops under PMFBY for Kharif 2026 in Odisha include paddy, maize, groundnut, ragi, cotton, red gram, ginger and turmeric in the designated areas. The scheme covers loanee farmers, non-loanee farmers and sharecroppers, ensuring wider access to crop insurance across the farming community.
The Odisha Government is providing crop insurance coverage free of cost for up to five acres per farmer. Farmers are required to pay only a nominal charge of Re 1 per plot for account validation, while the entire premium payable by farmers is borne by the State Government with additional subsidy support from the Centre.
To enrol under the scheme, farmers must possess an Aadhaar number or proof of Aadhaar enrolment and keep documents such as land records, bank account details and crop information ready.
Loanee farmers can complete their enrolment through their respective Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies (PACS), Large-sized Adivasi Multipurpose Cooperative Societies (LAMPCS) or bank branches. Non-loanee farmers can register through Common Service Centres (CSCs), cooperative banks, commercial bank branches, insurance intermediaries and authorised digital platforms. Assistance is also available at PACS, LAMPCS, Assistant Registrar of Cooperative Societies (ARCS), Deputy Registrar of Cooperative Societies (DRCS), Chief District Agriculture Officer (CDAO) offices and authorised insurance representatives.
Appealing to eligible farmers who are yet to register, the Cooperation Department urged them to utilise the extended deadline and complete enrolment by August 15 to ensure timely financial protection for their crops, particularly in view of the El Niño year.
