With the adverse effects of climatic change rapidly changing the cultivation scenario, it becomes important to compensate those affected by it. Agriculture is the most affected activity due to changed or unanticipated weather conditions. 

In 2022, the onset of heatwaves impacted the crop yield amount significantly. The production of Wheat crops declined from 109.59 million tonnes in 2021 to 107.7 million tonnes in 2022. Thus, it is very necessary to address  the effects of such changes in weather on the earnings of the farmers. 

The Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme seeks to solve this concern, let's learn how. 

What Is Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme (WBCIS)?

The Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme (WBCIS) is a government scheme that aims to provide financial assistance by insuring the yield and crop of farmers in particular areas against unanticipated conditions of weather. 

The WBCIS scheme follows an area based approach instead of an individual approach. This implies that in events of adverse climate or weather conditions, the insured farmers in a particular area will be provided financial aid in the form of insurance claim. 

The claims paid to the farmers in a unit area is the same since the loss suffered by all such farmers in the area is measured with regards to the same weather.

The following perils or weather conditions are covered under the purview of this scheme:

• Rainfall-deficit or excess rainfall,

• Wind Speed,

• Temperature-low and high,

• Relative humidity,

• A combination of all of the above and

• Hailstorms or cloudburst.

What Are The Benefits Of Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme (WBCIS)?

The WBCIS is a special scheme addressing weather concerns only. Its benefits are enlisted as follows:

• Insurance against losses: The scheme provides financial assistance for losses that are incurred owing to weather conditions in an area. It emphasises on unprecedented and unanticipated weather conditions. 

• Minimum Premium Rates: The premiums that have to be paid by the farmers under this scheme are set at minimum rates to ensure lesser pressure on the farmers. Since the government of India aids and provides assistance, the major portions of the premiums are borne by them.

• Social Security: Insurance provides a social security against debt by compensating for the incurred loss. 

Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply For Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme (WBCIS)?

The eligibility criteria for WBCIS is as follows:

• All farmers growing notified crops.

• Such crops should be grown in a notified area.

• Farmers should have insurable interest in such crops. 

• There should be unanticipated weather conditions.

How To Apply For Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme (WBCIS): A Step-By-Step Guide

The application procedure for WBCIS is as follows:

• Visit the official website of Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana.

• Click on the Farmer Corner option.

• Log in with your mobile number or enter as a guest farmer.

• Fill the requisite details. 

• In case you are already registered and wish to report crop loss, click on the report crop loss option and provide the relevant details. 

• You can check the status of your application here.

Conclusion

The specific nature of this scheme provides reassurance to the farmers and helps them focus on including innovative techniques for farming. This government scheme also builds trust of the farmers and helps them continue with the profession. 

For more information,  call the Krishi Rakshak Portal Helpline at 14447 or visit https://pmfby.gov.in/.