Now, crop loss due to wild animal attack to be covered under PMFBY

In a major relief to farmers in states like Odisha with high human-wildlife conflict, the Centre Tuesday announced that crop losses due to wild animal attacks will be covered under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) from the Kharif sowing season 2026.

- AGENCIES

In addition, losses incurred due to inundation of paddy crops because of heavy rains and floods will also be covered under the PMFBY.

In a statement, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare (MoAFW) pointed out that farmers across India have been facing crop losses due to attacks by wild animals, such as elephants, wild boars, nilgai, deer, and monkeys.

“These incidents are particularly common in regions situated near forests, wildlife corridors, and hilly terrains,” it added.

“Under the revised framework, crop loss due to wild animal attack will now be recognised as the fifth Add-on Cover under the Localised Risk category,” it said, adding that states will notify the list of wild animals responsible for crop damage and identify vulnerable districts or insurance units based on historical data.