The Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA) is an umbrella scheme launched by the Indian government to ensure remunerative prices for farmers for their produce . The scheme aims to improve the implementation of procurement operations, thereby ensuring fair prices and controlling price volatility of essential commodities .
Key Components of PM-AASHA:
PM-AASHA comprises three sub-schemes :
- Price Support Scheme (PSS):
- Under PSS, central nodal agencies procure pulses, oilseeds, and copra at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) directly from pre-registered farmers through state-level agencies .
- The central government bears the procurement expenditure and losses .
- The Food Corporation of India (FCI) also undertakes PSS operations in states/districts, along with NAFED .
- Price Deficiency Payment Scheme (PDPS):
- Under PDPS, direct payment is made to pre-registered farmers of the difference between the MSP and the selling/modal price .
- This applies to all oilseeds for which MSP is notified .
- Payments are made directly into the farmer’s registered bank account .
- This scheme does not involve physical procurement of crops .
- Pilot of Private Procurement and Stockist Scheme (PPPS):
- PPPS allows private players to participate in the procurement of crops .
- States have the option to roll out PPSS on a pilot basis in selected districts for oilseeds .
Recent Updates and Extensions:
- The government has extended the PM-AASHA scheme until 2025-26 .
- The extension aims to align with the 15th Finance Commission cycle .
- The government has approved the procurement of Tur, Urad, and Masur, equivalent to 100% of the state’s production for the 2024-25 procurement year .
- Procurement of gram, mustard, and lentil has also been approved .
Objectives:
- To provide remunerative prices to farmers for their produce .
- To control price volatility of essential commodities .
- To ensure that farmers receive the full benefit of the Minimum Support Price (MSP) .
- To promote increased procurement at MSP, facilitating the increase of the quantity of pulses, oilseeds, and copra purchased at MSP to ₹45,000 crore .
Implementation and Monitoring:
- Procurement is conducted through the e-Samridhi Portal and e-Sanyukt Portal .
Benefits to Farmers:
- Ensures fair prices for their crops .
- Reduces dependence on imports by promoting domestic production of pulses .
- Provides a stable income through assured procurement .
States Involved:
- Procurement of Tur (Arhar) has been approved in Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh for the Kharif 2024-25 season .
Financial Outlay:
- The scheme involves a financial outlay of ₹35,000 crore during the 15th Finance Commission cycle, up to 2025-26 .
In summary, PM-AASHA is designed to protect farmers’ income by ensuring they receive fair prices for their crops through a combination of price support, deficiency payments, and private sector participation . The recent extension of the scheme until 2025-26 underscores the government’s commitment to supporting the agricultural sector .
