Chennai, November 29, 2025: The Tamil Nadu government has announced an extension of the registration deadline for farmers under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), the Centre’s flagship crop insurance scheme, to December 1, 2025. This move comes in response to requests from the state government and the farming community, ensuring that farmers have sufficient time to enrol and avail the benefits of crop insurance for the ongoing agricultural seasons. Tamil Nadu Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, M R K Panneerselvam, on Saturday, emphasized the importance of timely registration and urged all farmers who have yet to obtain their Farmer Identification Number (Farmer ID) and complete enrolment in the PMFBY scheme to do so before the extended deadline.

The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, implemented nationwide since 2016, is designed to provide comprehensive crop insurance coverage to farmers, protecting them against yield losses arising from natural calamities, pests, and diseases. In Tamil Nadu, the scheme is operational during the Kuruvai, Samba, and Navarai crop seasons for 2025–26. These seasons cover a significant proportion of the state’s agricultural output, particularly paddy cultivation, which is a staple crop for the majority of Tamil Nadu’s farming population. The PMFBY scheme not only offers financial security to farmers but also encourages investment in modern agricultural practices, thereby supporting both crop productivity and rural livelihoods.

The registration process under the PMFBY requires farmers to have a valid Farmer ID, which serves as a unique identifier in the Farmer Registry. Farmers who have not yet registered in the registry are required to visit any e-Seva Centre to obtain their Farmer ID. Once registered, they can enrol in the PMFBY scheme through the National Crop Insurance Portal, which facilitates online submission of applications and documentation. In response to challenges faced by farmers during the Kuruvai season, the Union government had temporarily waived the requirement for a Farmer ID, allowing farmers to register without it. However, for the ongoing Samba season, the Farmer ID has again become a mandatory requirement for enrolment, ensuring accurate identification and streamlining the insurance process.

The original registration deadline for Samba paddy crops under the PMFBY was set for November 15, 2025. However, continuous rains, disruptions due to the Special Intensive Revision campaign, and other administrative factorsdelayed the registration process, making it difficult for farmers to meet the deadline. Recognizing these challenges and in response to representations from the state government and farmers’ groups, the Union government initially extended the deadline to November 30. Subsequently, taking into account the remaining registration backlog and the need to ensure that all eligible farmers could enrol without facing penalties, the Tamil Nadu government successfully requested a further extension to December 1, 2025.

Minister Panneerselvam highlighted that the extension would allow farmers sufficient time to complete the registration process and submit all necessary documents. He urged farmers to prioritise enrolment, stating that failure to register in time would result in the loss of insurance benefits for the current season. The minister emphasized that crop insurance plays a crucial role in safeguarding farmers’ incomes, especially in the context of unpredictable weather patterns, pest infestations, and other risks associated with agriculture. By availing PMFBY coverage, farmers can mitigate financial losses and ensure that they remain resilient in the face of unforeseen challenges.

According to official data, Samba paddy cultivation in Tamil Nadu has so far covered over 31.33 lakh acres, with approximately 7.95 lakh farmers having insured 19.06 lakh acres, representing about 61 percent of the total cultivated area. This marks an increase of around one lakh acres compared to the previous year, indicating growing awareness and participation among farmers in crop insurance initiatives. The government has also approved guidelines for insuring crops during both the Samba and Navarai seasons for the 2025–26 cycle, ensuring clarity and uniformity in implementation.

Financial allocations under the PMFBY scheme reflect the state and central governments’ commitment to supporting the agricultural sector. For the 2024–25 cycle, a total of ₹794 crore has been sanctioned for Tamil Nadu under the scheme. Of this amount, ₹697 crore has already been deposited directly into the bank accounts of four lakh farmers, providing timely compensation and reinforcing confidence in the system. The remaining ₹67 crore will be credited to the respective beneficiaries once the state receives the share from the Union government, ensuring that all eligible farmers receive the intended support.

Minister Panneerselvam underscored the importance of farmer participation not only for their individual protection but also for the overall efficiency of the insurance system. By registering under PMFBY, farmers contribute to accurate risk assessment, better planning, and improved resource allocation by both the state and central governments. The minister encouraged farmers to approach e-Seva Centres or use online facilities for registration and enrolment, ensuring that all documentation is completed correctly to avoid delays in claim processing. He also appealed to community leaders, agricultural extension officers, and local authorities to assist farmers in completing the registration process and spreading awareness about the scheme’s benefits.

The PMFBY scheme has been widely recognized as a transformative initiative in Indian agriculture. By providing financial coverage against crop losses, it reduces the vulnerability of small and marginal farmers, who constitute a significant portion of Tamil Nadu’s agricultural population. The scheme also promotes the adoption of modern agricultural techniques, mechanization, and better farm management practices, contributing to overall productivity and sustainability. In addition, PMFBY supports the government’s larger objectives of rural development, poverty alleviation, and food security.

In addition to financial protection, crop insurance under PMFBY ensures faster recovery for farmers affected by natural calamities such as floods, droughts, and unseasonal rains. For instance, the ongoing Samba season has witnessed erratic weather patterns, including heavy rainfall in some districts, which could potentially damage standing crops. By enrolling in the scheme, farmers can secure timely compensation for losses, stabilizing their income and enabling continued investment in agricultural inputs for future seasons.

Minister Panneerselvam’s appeal comes at a time when Tamil Nadu is actively promoting digitalisation and ease of access in agricultural governance. The Farmer Registry, coupled with the online crop insurance portal, allows farmers to register, update details, and apply for insurance without the need to visit multiple offices. This streamlined process reduces administrative hurdles and ensures faster disbursement of claims. The minister urged all farmers who had not yet registered to avail themselves of these facilities and complete the process before December 1 to secure their coverage for the current cropping season.

The Tamil Nadu government has consistently emphasised that schemes like PMFBY are vital for ensuring the welfare of farmers, particularly in regions prone to climatic uncertainties and crop vulnerabilities. By extending the deadline, the government aims to accommodate farmers who have faced delays due to logistical challenges, adverse weather, or incomplete documentation. Minister Panneerselvam reiterated that the government remains committed to protecting farmers’ interests and will continue to provide guidance and support to ensure smooth implementation of crop insurance schemes.

In conclusion, the extension of the PMFBY registration deadline to December 1, 2025, represents a significant step towards ensuring inclusive participation and comprehensive coverage of farmers in Tamil Nadu. Minister M R K Panneerselvam urged all eligible farmers to promptly register in the Farmer Registry, obtain their Farmer ID, and enrol in the PMFBY scheme to safeguard their crops and secure financial compensation in the event of losses. With the government allocating substantial funds and facilitating streamlined registration processes, farmers in Tamil Nadu now have a final opportunity to benefit from one of the most important agricultural safety nets, enhancing their resilience and stability in an increasingly unpredictable agricultural landscape.