Knowledge and Attitude of the Respondents Regarding Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana in Prayagraj District of Uttar Pradesh, India

Abstract

The Agriculture in India is highly vulnerable to climatic variability and natural calamities, leading to crop losses and income instability among farmers. To mitigate such risks, the Government of India launched the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) to provide financial protection through crop insurance. The present study aimed to assess the knowledge and attitude of respondents regarding PMFBY in Prayagraj district of Uttar Pradesh. An ex-post facto research design was adopted and a total of 360 respondents (180 beneficiaries and 180 non-beneficiaries) were selected through multistage random sampling from twelve villages of four blocks. Data were collected through a pre-tested interview schedule and analyzed using appropriate statistical tools such as frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, correlation analysis, and chi-square test. The results revealed that the majority of beneficiaries (62.78%) and non-beneficiaries (63.33%) possessed a medium level of knowledge, while most beneficiaries (64.44%) and non-beneficiaries (59.44%) exhibited a medium level of attitude toward PMFBY. The findings indicate that although farmers are generally aware of the scheme, detailed understanding and perception remain moderate. Strengthening extension services and awareness programs is therefore essential to improve farmers’ knowledge and attitude toward PMFBY for effective implementation of crop insurance schemes.