Crop Insurance Rules Changed: PMFBY Claims to Be Settled Through Will and Affidavit, Families of Deceased Farmers to Benefit Faster

Key Highlights

• Succession certificate is no longer mandatory for PMFBY claims.

• Claims can now be settled through a will or ₹50 notarized affidavit.

• Registered nominees will receive payments directly in their bank accounts.

• Only essential documents will be required for claim processing.

• Pending claims of deceased farmers will be cleared on priority.

In a major relief for farming families, the government has simplified the crop insurance claim process under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY). Families of deceased insured farmers will no longer need to obtain a succession certificate from the court to receive insurance claim payments. Instead, claims can now be settled through a will (Vasiyatnama) or a simple affidavit, making the process faster, cheaper, and more farmer-friendly.

The move is aimed at reducing delays in claim settlements and ensuring that eligible families receive financial support without unnecessary legal hurdles.

Government Simplifies Crop Insurance Claim Process

The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana provides financial protection to farmers against crop losses caused by adverse weather conditions, hailstorms, cyclones, and post-harvest damage when crops are left in fields for drying.

To strengthen farmer welfare, the government has introduced new guidelines that make claim payments easier for the families of deceased farmers. Under the revised rules, the requirement to submit a court-issued succession certificate has been removed.

Now, insurance claims can be processed based on a will or an affidavit executed on a ₹50 notarized stamp paper, significantly reducing paperwork and legal expenses.

Why Was the Succession Certificate Requirement Removed?

According to Agriculture Commissioner Naresh Kumar Goyal, families of deceased insured farmers were previously required to obtain a succession certificate from a court before receiving insurance claim payments.

This process was often lengthy, costly, and complicated. As a result, many claims remained pending for long periods. In several cases, families chose not to pursue the legal process because the claim amount was relatively small compared to the expenses involved in obtaining the certificate.

Recognizing these challenges, the Agriculture Department issued simplified guidelines to insurance companies. The objective is to clear pending claims quickly and provide timely financial assistance to eligible farmer families.

Three Easy Ways to Receive Crop Insurance Claims

The revised guidelines provide three simple options for claim settlement:

1. Payment to Registered Nominee: If the farmer had nominated a family member while purchasing crop insurance, the claim amount will be transferred directly to the nominee's bank account.

2. Claim Through Will: If no nominee has been registered and there is no family dispute, a will verified by the concerned Tehsildar or Patwari can be accepted in place of a court-issued succession certificate.

3. Family Consent Affidavit: If all legal heirs agree, they can authorize one family member to receive the claim amount through a ₹50 notarized affidavit. In such cases, neither a succession certificate nor a separate will is required. The insurance company will directly transfer the payment to the authorized person's bank account.

Documents Required for Claim Settlement

The Agriculture Department has clarified that only a few essential documents will now be required for claim processing:

• Death certificate of the insured farmer

• Family consent affidavit

• Copy of bank passbook or cancelled cheque

• Valid identity proof

The department stated that many PMFBY claims were pending only because of legal complications. With the implementation of the new rules, such cases will now be resolved on a priority basis.

Insurance Companies Directed to Act Quickly

The government has instructed all insurance companies to handle these cases with sensitivity and ensure prompt settlement of claims. The new guidelines are expected to speed up the resolution of pending applications and reduce the burden on farmer families.

Major Relief for Farmer Families

The decision has been widely welcomed as a farmer-friendly reform. It is expected to benefit thousands of families across the country by ensuring faster access to insurance claim payments after the death of an insured farmer.

By removing legal hurdles and simplifying documentation requirements, the government aims to make the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana more effective, accessible, and beneficial for farmers and their families.

Also Read: VST Tillers Tractors Sales in May 2026 Rise 28.28%, Total Sales Reach 4,472 Units

CMV360 Says

The government's decision to simplify crop insurance claim rules under PMFBY is a significant step toward improving farmer welfare. By removing the requirement for a court-issued succession certificate and allowing claims through a will or affidavit, families of deceased farmers can receive financial assistance more quickly and with less expense. The reform is expected to reduce claim delays, clear pending cases, and make crop insurance benefits more accessible to farming households across India.