With reference to ‘Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana’, consider the following statements:
- 1.Under this scheme, farmers will have to pay a uniform premium of two percent for any crop they cultivate in any season of the year.
- 2.This scheme covers post-harvest losses arising out of cyclones and unseasonal rains.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 only
- B.2 only
- C.Both 1 and 2
- D.Neither 1 nor 2
▶ Answer & Explanation
Correct answer: B. 2 only
The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) was launched to provide financial support to farmers suffering crop loss or damage. The scheme mandates different, uniform premium rates for Kharif, Rabi, and annual commercial/horticultural crops, and statement 1 is incorrect as it suggests a single uniform premium for all crops and seasons. Statement 2 is correct because the PMFBY provides comprehensive insurance coverage against natural calamities, including post-harvest losses due to events like cyclones and unseasonal rains, provided the crops are harvested, dried, and stored in the field for up to two weeks.
Source: UPSC gs1 2016