The Rythu Bima (Farmers’ Group Life Insurance) Scheme is a pioneering social security initiative launched by the Government of Telangana to provide financial protection to farming families in times of distress . This landmark scheme, described as the world’s largest farmer life insurance program, offers a life insurance cover of ₹5 lakh to eligible farmers aged between 18 and 59 years .
Under this fully government-sponsored scheme, the State Government pays the entire insurance premium to the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC), ensuring that farmers bear no financial burden . The scheme covers both natural and accidental deaths, with claims settled within 7 to 10 days through direct bank transfer .
As of the 2025-26 financial year, the scheme has enrolled 42.16 lakh farmers across Telangana, with the government paying an annual premium of ₹1,359.56 crore to LIC . Since its inception in August 2018, the scheme has disbursed over ₹3,301.90 crore to 66,038 bereaved farming families, providing crucial financial support during their most difficult times .
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Overview Table: Rythu Bima Scheme 2026-27
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Rythu Bima (Farmers’ Group Life Insurance Scheme) |
| Launched By | Government of Telangana |
| Launch Date | August 14, 2018 |
| Nodal Department | Agriculture Department, Telangana |
| Implementing Agency | Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) |
| Target Beneficiaries | Landholding farmers (Pattadars) aged 18-59 years |
| Insurance Cover | ₹5,00,000 |
| Coverage Type | Natural and accidental deaths |
| Annual Premium (2025-26) | ₹1,359.56 crore (paid by Government) |
| Total Enrolment (2025-26) | 42.16 lakh farmers |
| Total Claims Disbursed | ₹3,301.90 crore to 66,038 families |
| Claim Settlement Time | 7-10 days |
| Official Portal | Available through Agriculture Department |
Objectives of the Scheme
The Rythu Bima scheme is designed with multiple objectives to support the farming community.
- Provide life insurance cover of ₹5 lakh to every eligible farmer in Telangana, ensuring financial security for their families in case of death
- Offer social and financial safety net for Telangana’s farmers, reducing economic uncertainties faced by farming households
- Ensure immediate financial relief to bereaved families within 7-10 days of the farmer’s death, preventing distress and indebtedness
- Cover farmers aged 18-59 years, irrespective of the cause of death, including natural and accidental causes
- Make the claim process completely online, transparent, and fast, eliminating middlemen and bureaucratic delays
- Provide particular value to small and marginal farmers from vulnerable sections, offering financial cushioning during family crises
- Strengthen rural resilience and uphold farmer dignity by ensuring no farming family is left behind in the face of loss
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for Rythu Bima are clearly defined to ensure coverage reaches the intended beneficiaries .
General Eligibility Requirements:
- The farmer must be a permanent resident of Telangana state
- The farmer must be a landholding (Pattadar) farmer with agricultural land registered in his/her name
- The farmer must be aged between 18 and 59 years as of July 1st of the current financial year
- Age verification is done through Aadhaar
- The applicant must be registered on the DBT portal with a bank account linked to Aadhaar
Exclusion Criteria:
The scheme does not cover death/disability due to:
- Suicide (according to some sources, though the scheme was initially designed to cover suicide cases)
- Drug abuse, war/terrorism, or criminal activity
- Natural causes such as old age or pre-existing conditions (however, the scheme covers natural deaths)
Important Note on Tenant Farmers: The Rythu Bima scheme only covers landholding farmers (Pattadars). Tenant farmers and landless agricultural labourers are not covered under this scheme, leaving their families without insurance protection .
Financial Assistance Structure
The Rythu Bima scheme provides comprehensive financial protection to farmers.
Insurance Coverage Details:
| Particular | Detail |
|---|---|
| Insurance Cover | ₹5,00,000 per eligible farmer |
| Coverage Type | Natural and accidental deaths |
| Claim Settlement | Within 7-10 days |
| Settlement Mode | Direct Bank Transfer (DBT) to nominee’s account |
Premium Payment Structure:
| Particular | Detail |
|---|---|
| Premium Payer | State Government of Telangana |
| Premium per Farmer | ₹3,600 per farmer annually |
| Government Share | 75% of premium (the entire amount) |
| Annual Premium (2025-26) | ₹1,359.56 crore |
Disbursement Statistics:
| Period | Amount Disbursed | Families Benefited |
|---|---|---|
| Dec 2023 – Dec 2023 | ₹1,004.50 crore | 20,090 families |
| Full Year 2024 | ₹1,293.05 crore | 25,861 families |
| 2025-26 (Current) | ₹1,004.35 crore | 20,087 families |
| Total (Dec 2023 – June 2026) | ₹3,301.90 crore | 66,038 families |
Key Features of the Scheme
The Rythu Bima scheme incorporates several features that make it unique and effective.
100% Government-Sponsored Premium: The state government pays the entire premium amount to LIC, ensuring farmers bear no financial burden .
Fastest Claim Settlement: Claims are settled within 7-10 days of the farmer’s death, making it one of the fastest life insurance claim settlement processes in the country .
Online Claim Process: The entire claim process is online, eliminating middlemen and ensuring transparency .
Direct Benefit Transfer: Claim amounts are credited directly to the nominee’s bank account through DBT .
Comprehensive Coverage: The scheme covers deaths due to any reason, providing full ₹5 lakh coverage regardless of the cause .
No Exclusions: Unlike many insurance schemes, Rythu Bima covers all deaths without exclusions for suicide (in the original scheme) .
IT-enabled Implementation: The NIC has developed special software for forwarding claims from District Agriculture Offices to LIC without human intervention .
Minimal Manual Work: Manual work is limited to village and mandal-level collection of documents; all subsequent steps are online .
Support for Small and Marginal Farmers: The scheme is particularly valuable to small and marginal farmers from vulnerable sections .
Application and Enrollment Process
The enrollment process for Rythu Bima is managed through the Agriculture Department.
How Farmers Get Enrolled:
Automatic Enrollment:
- Enrollment is based on the land records database (Pattadar passbooks)
- Farmers with valid land records and aged 18-59 years are automatically enrolled
- Agriculture Extension Officers (AEOs) verify the details
- The data is uploaded to the online portal managed by NIC
New Farmer Enrollment:
- New farmers or those who have recently acquired land can approach the local Agriculture Extension Officer
- The AEO verifies land records and other details
- The farmer’s details are uploaded to the system
- Enrollment is processed through the Agriculture Department
Premium Payment:
- The government pays the premium directly to LIC for all enrolled farmers
- Farmers do not need to pay any premium or processing fee
Important Notes:
- Farmers must ensure their Aadhaar and bank account details are linked
- Any change in land records or personal details should be reported to the Agriculture Department
- The scheme is renewed annually with the government paying the premium
Claim Process
The claim process under Rythu Bima is designed to be fast, transparent, and accessible.
Step-by-Step Claim Process:
Step 1: Intimation
The family of the deceased farmer or the village authorities must inform the Agriculture Extension Officer (AEO) about the farmer’s death.
Step 2: Document Collection
The AEO visits the family and collects the following documents:
- Death Certificate of the farmer
- Aadhaar Card of the deceased farmer
- Aadhaar Card of the applicant/nominee
- First page of the bank passbook of the nominee
- Pattadar Passbook of the deceased farmer
Step 3: Verification at Mandal Level
The Mandal Agriculture Officer (MAO) verifies the documents and attests them. The documents are scanned and uploaded to the online system .
Step 4: Online Submission to LIC
The NIC-developed software creates a text file of all claims received till 4 PM every day and forwards them to LIC’s E-Sat office in Hyderabad along with scanned documents in PDF format .
Step 5: Claim Processing by LIC
LIC processes the claim and approves the payment. The claim is settled within 7-10 days of submission .
Step 6: Claim Disbursement
The claim amount of ₹5 lakh is credited directly to the nominee’s bank account through DBT .
Timeline:
- Intimation: Within 48 hours of death
- Document Submission: Within 3-5 days
- Claim Processing: 7-10 days from submission
- Claim Disbursement: On approval
Important Points:
- The government aims to provide death certificates within 48 hours
- No middlemen are involved in the process
- The Agriculture Extension Officer is responsible for ensuring the family receives the insurance amount
Documents Required
For Enrollment:
- Aadhaar Card
- Pattadar Passbook
- Bank Account Details
- Age Proof
For Claim Submission:
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Death Certificate | Proof of farmer’s death |
| Aadhaar Card of Deceased Farmer | Identity verification |
| Aadhaar Card of Nominee | Identity verification of claimant |
| Bank Passbook of Nominee | For direct transfer of claim amount |
| Pattadar Passbook | Proof of farmer status |
Document Verification Notes:
- Documents are attested by the Mandal Agriculture Officer
- All documents are scanned and uploaded online
- Original documents must be presented at the time of verification
Status Check and Tracking
Beneficiaries can track their claim status through multiple channels.
Online Status Check:
Step 1: Visit the Agriculture Department’s Rythu Bima portal
Step 2: Click on “Claim Status” or “Track Application”
Step 3: Enter the farmer’s Aadhaar number or claim reference number
Step 4: View the current status of the claim
Offline Status Check:
- Visit the local Agriculture Extension Officer (AEO)
- Visit the Mandal Agriculture Office
- Contact the District Agriculture Officer
Status Categories:
- Claim Submitted
- Under Verification
- Forwarded to LIC
- Claim Approved
- Payment Initiated
- Payment Completed
- Rejected (with reason)
Important Notes:
- The system is designed to provide real-time updates on claim status
- Beneficiaries receive SMS updates on their registered mobile number
Implementation Status and Statistics
Enrollment Statistics:
| Financial Year | Farmers Enrolled | Premium Paid |
|---|---|---|
| 2018-19 | 31.25 lakh | ₹636 crore |
| 2023-24 | 41.04 lakh | ₹1,477 crore |
| 2025-26 | 42.16 lakh | ₹1,359.56 crore |
Claim Statistics:
| Period | Families Benefited | Amount Disbursed |
|---|---|---|
| Dec 2023 – Dec 2023 | 20,090 | ₹1,004.50 crore |
| 2024 | 25,861 | ₹1,293.05 crore |
| 2025-26 (Current) | 20,087 | ₹1,004.35 crore |
| Total | 66,038 | ₹3,301.90 crore |
Historical Statistics (2018-2023):
- Total claims settled: 97,784 claims
- Total amount disbursed: ₹4,889.20 crore
- Average claims per year: Approximately 18,000-20,000
Challenges and Concerns
While the scheme has been largely successful, several challenges have emerged:
Premium Payment Delays:
As of June 2026, the government reportedly had pending premium dues of ₹441.23 crore to LIC for the 2025-26 financial year . This resulted in LIC holding back the processing of claims, leading to 7,606 pending claims worth ₹380.03 crore .
Tenant Farmers Exclusion:
The scheme only covers landholding farmers (Pattadars). Tenant farmers, who constitute approximately 36% of farmers in Telangana, are excluded from coverage . Notably, tenant farmers account for 75% of farmer suicides .
Lack of Ex-Gratia for Tenant Farmers:
Following the introduction of Rythu Bima, the government stopped providing ex-gratia payments (previously ₹5 lakh) to tenant farmer families .
Coverage Limitations:
- Only farmers with land in their name are eligible
- No coverage for agricultural labourers and landless farmers
- Suicide exclusions in some interpretations of the scheme
Comparison with Other Farmer Insurance Schemes
The Rythu Bima scheme stands out as the largest and most comprehensive farmer insurance scheme in India.
Key Differentiators:
| Feature | Rythu Bima | Other State Schemes |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage Amount | ₹5 lakh | Typically ₹1-2 lakh |
| Premium Payment | 100% government | Often shared with farmer |
| Coverage Type | All deaths | Limited to accidents |
| Claim Settlement | 7-10 days | 15-30 days |
| Enrollment | Automatic for Pattadars | Application-based |
Contact Details
State-level Contacts:
Department of Agriculture, Telangana
Website: https://www.telangana.gov.in/departments/agriculture-and-co-operation/
Address: Department of Agriculture, Government of Telangana, Secretariat, Hyderabad
District-level Contacts:
Contact the District Agriculture Officer or Agriculture Extension Officer in your respective district.
LIC Contacts:
Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) offices handle the claim processing and settlement.
Important Links and PDF Notifications
Official Websites:
Telangana Government Portal: https://www.telangana.gov.in/
Agriculture Department: https://www.telangana.gov.in/departments/agriculture-and-co-operation/
Important Documents:
- Rythu Bima Scheme Guidelines
- Claim Form Format
- List of Eligible Farmers
- Premium Payment Details
Important Note:
The Rythu Bima claim process is managed through the Agriculture Department. All queries regarding enrollment, claims, and premium payment should be directed to the local Agriculture Extension Officer or the District Agriculture Officer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Rythu Bima Scheme?
Rythu Bima is a farmer life insurance scheme launched by the Telangana government providing ₹5 lakh insurance cover to eligible farmers aged 18-59 years .
Who is eligible for the Rythu Bima Scheme?
Landholding (Pattadar) farmers aged between 18 and 59 years who are permanent residents of Telangana are eligible .
What is the premium amount for Rythu Bima?
The government pays the entire premium of ₹3,600 per farmer annually. Farmers do not pay any premium .
How much is the insurance cover under Rythu Bima?
The insurance cover is ₹5,00,000 (5 lakh rupees) .
How long does it take for claim settlement?
Claims are settled within 7-10 days of submission of documents .
Are tenant farmers covered under Rythu Bima?
No, the scheme only covers landholding farmers (Pattadars). Tenant farmers are excluded .
What documents are required for filing a claim?
Death certificate, Aadhaar cards of deceased and nominee, bank passbook of nominee, and Pattadar passbook .
How can I check my claim status?
Claim status can be checked online through the Agriculture Department portal or offline through the Agriculture Extension Officer .
What is the age limit for the scheme?
Farmers must be between 18 and 59 years of age as of July 1st of the financial year .
Is the scheme still active in 2026?
Yes, the scheme is active with 42.16 lakh farmers enrolled for the 2025-26 financial year .