The Government of India has paid ₹701.54 crore in insurance claims to onion-growing farmers under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) during the three-year period from 2022-23 to 2024-25, according to information shared by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare in the Rajya Sabha.
Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare Ramnath Thakur stated in a written reply that 27.21 lakh farmer applications were enrolled for onion crop insurance across major producing states during this period.
Maharashtra accounted for the largest share of enrolment as well as claim payments, followed by Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. The scheme provides financial protection to farmers against crop losses due to natural calamities and adverse weather conditions, with onion covered when notified by state governments.
State-wise Details of Onion Farmers Covered and Claims Paid (2022-23 to 2024-25*)
| State | Farmer Applications Enrolled (No.) | Central Share in Premium Subsidy (₹ Crore) | Claims Paid (₹ Crore) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Andhra Pradesh | 1,79,154 | 6.57 | 85.57 |
| Chhattisgarh | 2,592 | 0.32 | 0.31 |
| Karnataka | 94,143 | 41.32 | 91.12 |
| Maharashtra | 22,21,403 | 256.86 | 453.61 |
| Odisha | 14,903 | 0.45 | 0.17 |
| Rajasthan | 57,756 | 11.15 | 21.95 |
| Tamil Nadu | 1,51,531 | 22.88 | 48.80 |
| Total | 27,21,482 | 339.53 | 701.54 |
*Data as on 31 December 2025.
The ministry noted that PMFBY offers comprehensive risk insurance from pre-sowing to post-harvest stages at subsidised premiums. The coverage aims to stabilise farmer incomes in crops like onion, which are highly vulnerable to both weather-related losses and market fluctuations.
The information was shared as part of a broader update on policy measures for the welfare and protection of onion farmers, including market intervention, buffer stock creation and post-harvest infrastructure support.
Source - https://www.global-agriculture.com
