NAI

National Agriculture Insurance Scheme

6.1/10

The National Agriculture Insurance Scheme (NAIS) was introduced by the Government of India to provide comprehensive insurance coverage and financial support to farmers against crop losses due to natural calamities, pests, and diseases.

Central Composite

States / UT: All India

Ministry / nodal: Ministry Of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare

Nodal department: Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare

Scheme for: Individual

Scheme profile

DBT (direct benefit transfer): No

Categories: Agriculture,Rural & Environment

Sub-categories: Climate change, Financial assistance, Environmental management and protection

Target beneficiaries: Family, Individual

Tags: Farmers, Crop Insurance, Agriculture Subsidy, Natural Disaster Coverage

Details

The National Agriculture Insurance Scheme (NAIS) was introduced by the Government of India to provide comprehensive insurance coverage and financial support to farmers against crop losses due to natural calamities, pests, and diseases. The scheme promotes the stability of farm incomes and encourages farmers to adopt modern agricultural practices.

Key Features

  1. Coverage for food crops, oilseeds, and selected commercial/horticultural crops.
  2. Protection against crop loss due to natural calamities such as drought, flood, hailstorm, cyclone, pests, and diseases.
  3. Coverage for different stages of the crop life cycle:
  • Sowing/planting risk.
  • Standing crop losses.
  • Post-harvest losses (due to specified perils).
  • Losses due to localized risks like hailstorms and landslides.
  1. Subsidized premiums for small and marginal farmers.
  2. Availability of the scheme across notified areas and seasons.

Claim Process

  • Reporting Losses: Inform the local agriculture office or insurer within 48 hours of the incident.- Assessment: Loss assessment will be conducted by a joint team comprising local authorities and insurance company representatives.- Claim Settlement: Upon verification, claims are directly transferred to the farmer’s bank account

Benefits

  • Comprehensive Crop Coverage:
  • Protection against crop loss due to natural calamities (floods, droughts, hailstorms), pests, diseases, and localized risks
  • Includes coverage for sowing, standing crops, and post-harvest losses. Subsidized Premiums for Small Farmers:
  • Small and marginal farmers receive premium subsidies, making the scheme affordable for them. Affordable Premiums for All Farmers:
  • Low premium rates for both loanee and non-loanee farmers, with premiums deducted from agricultural loans. Quick Claim Settlement:
  • Fast processing and direct claim settlement to the farmer’s bank account. Encourages Better Farming Practices:
  • Promotes risk mitigation and adoption of modern agricultural practices, increasing productivity. Wide Crop Coverage:
  • Covers food crops, oilseeds, and horticultural crops, ensuring protection for most farmers. Nationwide Accessibility:
  • Available to farmers across the country, making it a national safety net. Premium Rates
  • Food crops and oilseeds:
  • Kharif crops: 3.5% of the sum insured
  • Rabi crops: 1.5% of the sum insured

Comprehensive Crop Coverage:

  • Protection against crop loss due to natural calamities (floods, droughts, hailstorms), pests, diseases, and localized risks.
  • Includes coverage for sowing, standing crops, and post-harvest losses.

Subsidized Premiums for Small Farmers:

  • Small and marginal farmers receive premium subsidies, making the scheme affordable for them.

Affordable Premiums for All Farmers:

  • Low premium rates for both loanee and non-loanee farmers, with premiums deducted from agricultural loans.

Quick Claim Settlement:

  • Fast processing and direct claim settlement to the farmer’s bank account.

Encourages Better Farming Practices:

  • Promotes risk mitigation and adoption of modern agricultural practices, increasing productivity.

Wide Crop Coverage:

  • Covers food crops, oilseeds, and horticultural crops, ensuring protection for most farmers.

Nationwide Accessibility:

  • Available to farmers across the country, making it a national safety net.

Premium Rates

  • Food crops and oilseeds:

  • Kharif crops: 3.5% of the sum insured.

  • Rabi crops: 1.5% of the sum insured.

  • Commercial and horticultural crops: Actuarial premium rates apply.

  • The premium for Small & Marginal farmers is subsidised to the extent of 10% which is shared by the State Govt. and Govt. of India

Eligibility

Loanee Farmers:

  1. Farmers who avail seasonal agricultural operations (SAO) loans from financial institutions (banks, co-operative societies, etc.) are automatically covered under the scheme.
  2. The coverage for loanee farmers is compulsory, and premiums are deducted from the loan amount.

Non-Loanee Farmers:

  1. Non-loanee farmers can apply voluntarily for the insurance coverage.
  2. The application must be submitted before the deadline for each crop season.

Notified Crops and Areas:

  1. The crops to be insured and the areas where the scheme is applicable are announced by the government each year.

How useful is this scheme?

Public benefit analysis

A practical look at this scheme for citizens

AI-generated insights showing how useful, accessible, and practical this scheme may be — combining deterministic scoring rules with a public-policy LLM analyst.

6.1
/ 10
Public Benefit Score
Accessibility 7.0/10 Good
Rural usefulness 6.0/10 Moderate
Application complexity 6.5/10 Moderate
Financial impact 5.0/10 Moderate
Literacy barrier 4.0/10 Moderate
Women inclusivity 6.0/10 Moderate
Awareness 7.5/10 Good
Implementation reliability 8.0/10 Good
Bigger shape means a better fit for citizens
  • Accessibility7.0
  • Financial impact5.0
  • Rural utility6.0
  • Awareness7.5
  • Simplicity3.5
  • Inclusivity6.0

What problem does this scheme solve?

The National Agriculture Insurance Scheme provides essential financial protection to farmers against crop losses, promoting agricultural stability.

Key challenges addressed

  • Crop loss due to natural calamities
  • Financial insecurity for farmers

Most beneficial for

  • Small and marginal farmers
  • Loanee farmers

Likely challenges

  • Awareness among non-loanee farmers
  • Complexity in application for first-time applicants

Practical insights for citizens

Practical for loanee farmers but challenging for non-loanee farmers due to application complexities.

Rural challenges

  • Limited awareness of the scheme
  • Access to banks and insurance offices

Digital challenges

  • Low digital literacy
  • Limited online application options

Implementation bottlenecks

  • Delayed claim settlements
  • Complexity in loss assessment

Awareness challenges

  • Lack of information among non-loanee farmers

Application analysis

Application mode
Offline office
Documents burden
Moderate
Verification complexity
Moderate
Office dependency
High
DBT dependency
Low
CSC support
Limited
Estimated citizen effort
Moderate

Estimated beneficiary reach

  • Rural / urban reach High
  • Gender reach Moderate
  • Target income group Low-income farmers
  • Occupation reach Farmers

Benefit analysis

Benefit type
Composite
Benefit frequency
Per crop season
Benefit practicality
High, as it covers various crop stages
Financial meaningfulness
Significant for small farmers due to subsidized premiums
Long-term impact
Positive impact on agricultural stability and farmer income

Plain-language guidance

The National Agriculture Insurance Scheme helps farmers protect their crops from losses due to natural disasters and pests. It offers affordable insurance options, especially for small farmers.

Who should apply
Farmers with crop loans and non-loanee farmers looking for crop insurance.
Who may struggle
First-time applicants and non-loanee farmers unfamiliar with the process.
Best application route
Apply via local bank or insurance office with necessary documents.

This intelligence section is generated by an AI policy analyst combined with rule-based scoring. Scores and narrative are estimates derived from the publicly available scheme information shown on this page; actual experience may vary by state, district, and department. Always confirm details on the official portal before you apply.

Application Process

Offline

Application Process for Loanee Farmers

Step-1: Loanee farmers need to visit their nearest bank or primary agricultural cooperative society (PACS) branch, where they have taken the loan.
Step-2: The bank will automatically enroll the farmer in the NAIS.
Step-3: Premiums are deducted directly from the loan amount at the time of disbursement

Application Process for Non-Loanee Farmers

Step-1: Visit the Bank or Insurance Office

  • Go to the nearest branch of a bank that offers NAIS or visit the office of an authorized insurance company that provides coverage under NAIS.

Step-2: Fill the Application Form

  • Fill out the application form for the National Agriculture Insurance Scheme.

Step-3: Provide Required Documents

  • Submit required documents such as:
  • Aadhaar card or any government-issued identity proof.
  • Proof of land ownership or tenancy.
  • Crop sowing details (if applicable).
  • Bank account details for claim disbursement.

Step-4: Pay the Premium

  • Pay the premium amount at the time of application. The premium amount is based on the type of crop and the coverage opted for.

Contact for Assistance

If you need help during the application process or have any questions, you can contact:
Toll-Free Helpline: 1800-180-1551
Email: pmfby-support@gov.in
Website: https://www.pmfby.gov.in/

Clarifications

Additional points from the scheme information published on myScheme (not legal advice).

What is the National Agriculture Insurance Scheme (NAIS)?

The National Agriculture Insurance Scheme (NAIS) is a government initiative aimed at providing financial protection to farmers against crop losses due to natural calamities, pests, and diseases. It offers coverage for food crops, oilseeds, and select horticultural crops.

Who is eligible to apply for NAIS?

All farmers growing insurable crops and availing Seasonal Agricultural Operations (SAO) loans from Banks / PACS are compulsorily covered under the Scheme by the Banks/ PACS, whereas the non-borrowing farmers growing insurable crops can also avail the benefit of the Scheme by submitting prescribed proposal forms at the nearest Banks/ PACS.

How can famar apply for the NAIS?

Loanee Farmers: The application is processed through the bank or financial institution from where the loan is availed. The premium is deducted directly from the loan amount. Non-Loanee Farmers: They need to approach the nearest bank or insurance office, fill out the application form, submit required documents, and pay the premium.

What is the premium amount for the scheme?

Food Crops (Kharif): 3.5% of the sum insured. Food Crops (Rabi): 1.5% of the sum insured. Commercial and Horticultural Crops: Premium is based on actuarial rates.

Are there any subsidies on the premium?

Yes, the government provides premium subsidies, particularly for small and marginal farmers, to make the scheme affordable. The premium subsidy is shared between the central and state governments.

What documents are required to apply for NAIS?

Aadhaar card or another government-issued identity proof. Proof of land records (ownership or tenancy). Crop sowing certificate (if applicable). Bank account details for claim settlement.

How are claims processed under NAIS?

Farmers must inform the local authorities or insurer about crop loss within 48 hours. A joint assessment of the loss is carried out by insurance representatives and local officials. After verification, the claims are settled and directly transferred to the farmer's bank account.

Can non-loanee farmers apply for NAIS?

Yes, non-loanee farmers can voluntarily apply for NAIS by visiting an authorized bank branch or insurance office. They need to submit necessary documents and pay the premium.

How many states are participating in the scheme?

At present this scheme is being implemented in 23 States and UTs (except Punjab, Manipur, Nagaland, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh among the States and Chandigarh, Daman & Diu, Delhi, Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Lakshadweep among the UTs).

Are crop loans disbursed through Kisan Credit Cards (KCCs) eligible for insurance coverage under the NAIS ?

Crop loans disbursed/withdrawn through KCCs are also eligible for coverage as per the terms and conditions applicable to the regular crop loans.

References

Guidelines
https://pmfby.gov.in/pdf/NAIS_SCHEME.pdf

Apply

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Frequently asked questions

What is the purpose of National Agriculture Insurance Scheme?
National Agriculture Insurance Scheme is a government welfare initiative designed to support Individual, Family, Individual through benefits related to Agriculture,Rural & Environment, financial assistance, subsidies, social welfare, healthcare, education, or livelihood support.
Who can apply for National Agriculture Insurance Scheme?
Eligibility for National Agriculture Insurance Scheme may depend on factors such as income category, age, gender, occupation, state of residence, social category, and government-defined beneficiary criteria.
What benefits are offered under National Agriculture Insurance Scheme?
Benefits under National Agriculture Insurance Scheme may include financial assistance, subsidies, scholarships, insurance support, healthcare benefits, pension support, training assistance, or welfare services depending on the scheme guidelines.
Which department manages National Agriculture Insurance Scheme?
National Agriculture Insurance Scheme is managed by Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and may be implemented through district offices, online portals, CSC centres, banks, or authorised government agencies.
Can users apply online for National Agriculture Insurance Scheme?
Yes, eligible applicants may be able to apply online for National Agriculture Insurance Scheme through official government portals, authorised service centres, or digital application systems depending on the implementation process.
Is Aadhaar mandatory for National Agriculture Insurance Scheme?
Many government schemes may require Aadhaar verification, identity proof, or linked bank account details for beneficiary validation and direct benefit transfer processing.
Where can users apply for National Agriculture Insurance Scheme?
Applications for National Agriculture Insurance Scheme may be submitted through government departments, official scheme portals, CSC centres, district offices, welfare departments, or authorised service centres.
What documents may be required for National Agriculture Insurance Scheme?
Applicants may need Aadhaar card, income certificate, residence proof, bank account details, caste certificate, photographs, educational records, or occupation-related documents depending on scheme eligibility requirements.
Is income certificate required for National Agriculture Insurance Scheme?
Income certificate requirements may vary depending on beneficiary category, subsidy eligibility, and financial assistance criteria defined under National Agriculture Insurance Scheme.
Is National Agriculture Insurance Scheme a central government scheme?
Yes, National Agriculture Insurance Scheme is a central government welfare initiative that may be implemented across multiple states through authorised departments and agencies.
Can small and marginal farmers apply for National Agriculture Insurance Scheme?
Eligible small and marginal farmers may apply for National Agriculture Insurance Scheme subject to land ownership records, income eligibility, and agricultural beneficiary criteria.
Does National Agriculture Insurance Scheme provide subsidy support for farmers?
National Agriculture Insurance Scheme may provide agricultural subsidies, financial assistance, crop support, irrigation benefits, insurance coverage, or farming-related welfare assistance depending on the scheme structure.
Does National Agriculture Insurance Scheme provide healthcare or insurance support?
National Agriculture Insurance Scheme may provide healthcare assistance, insurance coverage, cashless treatment support, medical reimbursement, or hospital-related benefits depending on the scheme structure.
Can beneficiaries use National Agriculture Insurance Scheme at government hospitals?
Eligible beneficiaries may be able to access services at empanelled hospitals, government healthcare facilities, or authorised healthcare providers depending on scheme participation rules.
Can CSC centres help users apply for National Agriculture Insurance Scheme?
Many government schemes may be accessible through nearby CSC centres, authorised digital service centres, or welfare facilitation offices.
How can users check the latest updates for National Agriculture Insurance Scheme?
Users should verify official notifications, department announcements, application deadlines, and eligibility updates through authorised government portals or implementing agencies.
Can beneficiaries track application status for National Agriculture Insurance Scheme?
Certain schemes may provide online application tracking, beneficiary verification systems, or status-check facilities through official portals.
Where can users get help for National Agriculture Insurance Scheme in All India?
Users in All India may seek assistance through CSC centres, district welfare offices, government departments, agriculture offices, social welfare departments, or authorised facilitation centres.
Which nearby public services may help with National Agriculture Insurance Scheme applications?
Depending on the scheme, users may require support from Aadhaar centres, CSC centres, banks, hospitals, post offices, or government welfare offices for document verification and application assistance.