Late Monsoon Alert: Protect Your Kharif Crops — PMFBY Deadline in 40 Days

Monsoon delays worry farmers. Act now: register for PMFBY crop insurance before the deadline and safeguard your soybean, maize, and onion seedlings.

June is peak Kharif sowing season across India, but this year the monsoon is arriving late. According to a [Financial Times report (19 June)](https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMihAFBVV95cUxNS0ltRklqaVp0RHpPT1Nhc3h6MjY5N1hoQTBsVWlMbUJpX1g1Q0diOWg1ZDdDS1g4Vms4R0d2emwwcUp2OTNSNjU2c29XbFZmcUpyY0tEeHFnNE51aFJSOHdMSnNNdUdJMzRhcmRNeUNGT0tnaUhWQ3hqUFlrNWNzakJMWE4?oc=5), the delay is worrying economists, investors, and farmers. Erratic rains can damage young seedlings, delay sowing, and reduce yields. But you can take action now to protect your livelihood: register for crop insurance and adjust your field practices.

Why PMFBY crop insurance matters this season

The **Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)** is the government's crop insurance scheme. It covers losses from weather events like drought, excess rain, hailstorm, and pest attacks. **You have only 40 days left** to register for Kharif 2026 coverage.

• **Low premium**: Farmers pay just 2% of the sum insured for Kharif crops; the government subsidizes the rest.
• **Wide coverage**: Covers soybean, maize, onion, sugarcane, tomato, and many other Kharif crops.
• **Quick claims**: If your area is declared affected, claims are processed faster than before.
• **Peace of mind**: Even if rains fail or floods hit, you won't lose everything.

**How to register:**

• Visit your nearest bank branch, Common Service Centre (CSC), or the [PMFBY portal](https://pmfby.gov.in).
• Carry your Aadhaar, land records (7/12, khasra), and bank passbook.
• Declare the crop you are sowing and the area.
• Pay the small premium (the bank or CSC will help you calculate it).
• Get your policy document and keep it safe.

**Important**: The deadline is typically 7–10 days after sowing ends in your district. Don't wait until the last day—network issues or paperwork delays can cause you to miss out. Register as soon as you sow.

Protecting soybean, maize, and onion seedlings during erratic rains

Late or uneven monsoon rains create challenges for young crops. Here are practical steps to reduce risk:

**Soybean:**

• **Delay sowing slightly** if your soil is still dry; soybean needs moist soil to germinate well.
• If rains are heavy after sowing, ensure good drainage to prevent waterlogging (roots rot easily).
• Consider using seed treatment (consult your local Krishi Vigyan Kendra or agriculture officer for recommended products and doses).
• Watch for early pest pressure (sucking pests often increase after the first rains); scout your field weekly.

**Maize:**

• Maize is more tolerant of short dry spells, but young plants need steady moisture.
• If rains are delayed, consider a light pre-sowing irrigation if you have access to water.
• Mulch around seedlings with crop residue to retain soil moisture.
• Avoid over-fertilizing early; wait until plants are 20–25 days old and rains are regular.

**Onion:**

• Transplant onion seedlings only when soil moisture is adequate and rains are expected within 2–3 days.
• Raised beds help prevent waterlogging during heavy rains.
• Protect young transplants from strong sun after rain by using shade nets or crop residue for a few days.
• Monitor for fungal diseases (purple blotch, downy mildew) if humidity is high; remove affected leaves and consult your KVK for safe fungicide options.

**General tips for all crops:**

• Check the weather forecast regularly (use the khetigpt app, IMD website, or local radio).
• Don't spray pesticides or fertilizers just before heavy rain—it washes away and wastes money.
• Keep drainage channels clear around your field.
• If rains fail for more than 10 days after sowing, consider a life-saving irrigation if possible.

Key takeaways

• **Monsoon is late this year**—be prepared for erratic rains and adjust your sowing and care practices.
• **Register for PMFBY crop insurance within 40 days** to protect against weather losses; visit [pmfby.gov.in](https://pmfby.gov.in) or your bank.
• **Soybean, maize, and onion** are top Kharif crops; each needs specific care during uneven rains (good drainage, timely sowing, pest watch).
• **Don't guess on chemicals**—always confirm doses and products with your local KVK, agriculture officer, or official portal.
• **Act now, not later**—insurance deadlines and weather windows don't wait.