PMFBY Claim Process — How to Report Crop Loss, Check Status & Get Insurance Payout

Already enrolled in Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)? If your crop is damaged due to flood, drought, hailstorm, pest attack, or any natural calamity, you have the right to claim insurance money. But you must act fast — crop loss must be reported within 72 hours of the damage.

This guide covers everything after enrollment: how to report crop loss, what happens during assessment, how claims are calculated, how to check your payout status online, and what to do if your claim is rejected.

New to PMFBY? First read our complete guide to apply for PMFBY crop insurance.

The 72-Hour Rule: Report Crop Loss Immediately

The single most important rule in PMFBY claims: you must intimate (report) crop loss within 72 hours of the calamity. Missing this deadline is the #1 reason claims get rejected.

How to Report Crop Loss

You can report crop damage through any of these channels:

1. Crop Insurance App — Download the official app from Google Play Store. Click "Crop Loss" → fill details → upload photos of damaged crop → submit.
2. PMFBY Portal — Visit pmfby.gov.in, log in with your registered mobile number, and file a crop loss intimation.
3. Toll-Free Helpline — Call 14447 (national PMFBY helpline) to report crop loss over phone.
4. Insurance Company — Contact your insurance company's local office or district branch directly.
5. Bank Branch — Visit the bank where your crop loan/insurance was processed.
6. Agriculture Department — Inform your local agriculture officer or patwari.

What Information You Need

When reporting crop loss, keep this ready:

• Policy/Application number (from your PMFBY enrollment receipt)
• Aadhaar number and registered mobile number
• Khasra number (land record) and village details
• Type of crop damaged and cause of damage (flood, hail, drought, pest, etc.)
• Date of calamity and approximate area affected
• Photos/videos of the damaged crop (required for app-based reporting)

Types of Crop Loss Covered Under PMFBY

Not all crop damage leads to a claim. PMFBY covers specific risk stages:

Important: For standing crop loss, claims are settled on an area-based approach (not individual farm). The government compares actual yield with threshold yield for your entire insurance unit (usually village/gram panchayat level).

How Crop Cutting Experiments (CCE) Work

Crop Cutting Experiments are the backbone of PMFBY claim assessment for standing crops. Here's how it works:

1. Government selects random plots in each insurance unit (village/block) for crop cutting.
2. Trained staff harvest a fixed area (usually 5m × 5m) from selected plots during harvest season.
3. Yield is measured and recorded — this becomes the "actual yield" for that insurance unit.
4. Actual yield is compared with threshold yield — if actual yield is lower, ALL insured farmers in that unit get a claim.

Threshold Yield Calculation

Threshold Yield = Average yield of last 7 years (excluding best 2 and worst 2 years) × Indemnity Level

The indemnity level is set by the government (usually 70%, 80%, or 90%). If your area's actual yield falls below this threshold, the shortfall percentage is applied to your sum insured to calculate your claim amount.

Claim Amount Formula

Claim = (Threshold Yield − Actual Yield) ÷ Threshold Yield × Sum Insured

Example: If threshold yield is 20 quintals/hectare, actual yield is 12 quintals, and your sum insured is ₹50,000:

• Shortfall = (20 − 12) ÷ 20 = 40%
• Claim amount = 40% × ₹50,000 = ₹20,000

How to Check PMFBY Claim Status Online

Once crop cutting data is submitted and claims are processed, you can track your payout:

Method 1: PMFBY Portal

1. Go to pmfby.gov.in
2. Click "Claim Status" on the homepage
3. Enter your Application Number or Mobile Number
4. Enter the Captcha and click Search
5. Your claim status (pending / approved / paid / rejected) will display

Method 2: Crop Insurance App

1. Open the Crop Insurance app on your phone
2. Go to "Claim Status" section
3. Enter your application number
4. View real-time status and expected payout

Method 3: Contact Your Bank

If you enrolled through a bank (loanee farmer), your claim amount is directly credited to the same bank account linked to your crop loan. Check with your bank branch.

Method 4: CSC / Jan Seva Kendra

Visit your nearest Common Service Centre with your Aadhaar and application number to check claim status.

PMFBY Claim Timeline: How Long Does It Take?

Reality check: Payouts often take 3–6 months due to delayed crop cutting data submission by states. If your claim is delayed beyond 2 months, file a grievance.

Grievance Redressal: What to Do If Your Claim Is Delayed or Rejected

Step 1: File Online Grievance

• Visit pmfby.gov.in/grievance
• Register your complaint with application number and details
• You'll receive a grievance tracking number

Step 2: Escalate to Insurance Company

Contact your assigned insurance company's district or state office. Find their details on the PMFBY portal under "Insurance Company Contacts."

Step 3: Contact the District Agriculture Officer

The District Level Monitoring Committee (DLMC) oversees PMFBY implementation. Write to the District Agriculture Officer with your complaint.

Step 4: Use Government Portals

• IGMS (Insurance Grievance): igms.irda.gov.in — IRDAI's insurance complaint portal
• CPGRAMS: pgportal.gov.in — centralized public grievance system

Common Reasons PMFBY Claims Get Rejected

Understanding these will help you avoid mistakes:

1. Late reporting — Crop loss not reported within 72 hours. This is the most common reason.
2. Non-notified crop — The crop you grew wasn't notified for insurance in your area/season.
3. Area yield above threshold — For standing crops, if the area-level yield is above threshold, no individual claim is payable even if your personal farm had losses.
4. Incorrect land records — Mismatch between Khasra details in the application and actual records.
5. Premium not paid — Insurance premium was deducted but not remitted by the bank to the insurance company.
6. Duplicate application — Multiple applications for the same land parcel.
7. Excluded peril — Damage caused by war, nuclear risks, theft, or malicious acts isn't covered.

State-Wise PMFBY Helpline Numbers

For other states, call the national helpline 14447 or check pmfby.gov.in for your state's insurance company contact.

Tips to Ensure Your PMFBY Claim Succeeds

• Save your enrollment receipt — Keep the SMS/printout with your application number safe.
• Report immediately — Don't wait. Call 14447 or use the app within 72 hours.
• Take photos — Photograph damaged crops with date stamp. This is strong evidence.
• Attend crop cutting — If crop cutting happens on your field, be present and ensure fair recording.
• Keep bank account active — Claims are paid directly to your bank account. Ensure it's not frozen or dormant.
• Follow up — Check status every 2 weeks. If delayed beyond 2 months, file a grievance.

Related Guides

• How to Apply for PMFBY Crop Insurance — Enrollment process, premium rates, eligibility
• PM-KISAN Samman Nidhi — Get ₹6,000/year direct benefit
• Kisan Credit Card (KCC) — Low-interest crop loans for farmers
• Soil Health Card — Free soil testing and crop recommendations

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the time limit to report crop loss under PMFBY?

You must report crop loss within 72 hours (3 days) of the natural calamity or damage occurring. Report via the Crop Insurance App, PMFBY portal, helpline 14447, or your bank/insurance company.

How is the PMFBY claim amount calculated?

For standing crops, the claim is calculated using the formula: (Threshold Yield − Actual Yield) ÷ Threshold Yield × Sum Insured. The actual yield is determined through Crop Cutting Experiments at the insurance unit (village) level.

How can I check my PMFBY claim status online?

Visit pmfby.gov.in and click "Claim Status." Enter your application number or registered mobile number. You can also check via the Crop Insurance mobile app or by visiting your bank branch.

Why was my PMFBY claim rejected?

Common reasons include: late reporting (beyond 72 hours), crop not notified in your area, area-level yield being above threshold, incorrect land/Khasra details, or unpaid premium. Check the specific reason on the portal and file a grievance if you disagree.

How long does it take to receive PMFBY claim money?

The government target is within 2 months of harvest. In practice, it may take 3–6 months depending on how quickly your state submits crop cutting data. If delayed, file a complaint at pmfby.gov.in/grievance.

Can I claim PMFBY if only my farm was damaged but neighbouring farms were fine?

For standing crop losses, claims are area-based — individual farm losses don't trigger a claim unless the entire insurance unit's yield drops below threshold. However, for localized calamities (hailstorm, landslide, inundation) and post-harvest losses, individual farm-level assessment applies. Report such losses within 72 hours.

Is the PMFBY helpline number free to call?

Yes, 14447 is a toll-free number available across India for PMFBY-related queries including crop loss reporting, claim status, and grievances.