Government has extended the cut off date for insuring 2016-17 rabi crops till 10th January next year to provide relief to farmers hit by demonetisation. The deadline to take insurance policy for both loanee and non-loanee farmers from banks for Rabi crops under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana(PMFBY)expires tomorrow. <br/>'<br/>In a statement, Agriculture Ministry said the decision has been taken keeping in view the difficulties faced by the farmers in obtaining crop insurance due to demonetization of old currency notes. The State governments have been asked to take appropriate action regarding extension of cut-off date and inform all stakeholders.<br/>'<br/>Around 167.47 lakh farmers had taken crop insurance in the rabi season of 2015-16. The government hopes that more farmers will enroll under the new PMFBY launched early this year with better features.

Government today extended the cut off date for insuring 2016-17 rabi crops till 10th January next year to provide relief to farmers hit by demonetisation. The deadline to take insurance policy for both loanee and non-loanee farmers from banks for Rabi crops under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) expires tomorrow. <br/>'<br/>In a statement, Agriculture Ministry said the decision has been taken keeping in view the difficulties faced by the farmers in obtaining crop insurance due to demonetization of old currency notes. The State governments have been asked to take appropriate action regarding extension of cut-off date and inform all stakeholders.<br/>'<br/>Around 167.47 lakh farmers had taken crop insurance in the rabi season of 2015-16. The government hopes that more farmers will enroll under the new PMFBY launched early this year with better features.