Authors: Pallavi Rai, Chandra Shekhar

Abstract: As climate change intensifies the frequency and severity of extreme weather events, Indian farmers face growing uncertainty in crop production. Government-sponsored insurance schemes, notably the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) and the Restructured Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme (RWBCIS), aim to mitigate agricultural risk and promote resilience. However, these programs have faced criticism for structural inefficiencies, low enrollment, delayed compensation, and the exclusion of marginal farmers. This paper examines the design, implementation, and outcomes of PMFBY and RWBCIS in the context of a changing climate. Through policy analysis and recent case studies, it explores how these schemes can be reformed to enhance equity, responsiveness, and climate adaptability in India’s crop insurance architecture.