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PM-AASHA Scheme
Context:
The Government of India has approved the continuation of the Integrated Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA) Scheme for the 15th Finance Commission Cycle, extending it until 2025-26. The scheme includes several initiatives designed to support farmers by stabilising prices and ensuring the availability of essential commodities to consumers.
Key Highlights of PM-AASHA
- The scheme comprises four components:
- Price Support Scheme (PSS)
- Price Deficiency Payment Scheme (PDPS)
- Market Intervention Scheme (MIS)
- Price Stabilisation Funds (PSF)
- The Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare (DA&FW) administers PSS, PDPS, and MIS, while the Department of Consumer Affairs oversees PSF.
- The scheme aims to stabilise prices, protect farmers’ incomes, and ensure affordability of essential commodities for consumers.
- Implementation of Price Support Scheme: Under PSS, procurement of notified Pulses, Oilseeds, and Copra is undertaken by Central Nodal Agencies (CNAs) at Minimum Support Price (MSP) from pre-registered farmers through State-level agencies.
Recent Developments
- Soyabean Procurement:
- States Covered: Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Telangana for Kharif 2024-25.
- Quantity Procured: 19.99 LMT (Lakh Metric Tonnes) of Soyabean by 9th February 2025, benefiting 8,46,251 farmers.
- The procurement period for Soyabean has been extended:
- Maharashtra: Extended by 24 days.
- Telangana: Extended by 15 days.
- Groundnut Procurement:
- States Covered: Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh for Kharif 2024-25.
- Quantity Procured: 15.73 LMT of Groundnut by 9th February 2025, benefiting 4,75,183 farmers.
- The procurement period for Groundnut has been extended:
- Gujarat: Extended by 6 days.
- Karnataka: Extended by 25 days.
- Procurement of Pulses: To support domestic production of pulses, the government has approved the procurement of Tur, Urad, and Masur under the PSS for the 2024-25 season. The procurement will be 100% of the state’s production for these pulses.
- This initiative is aligned with the goal of achieving self-sufficiency in pulses production and reducing dependence on imports.
- The Budget 2025 further extends the procurement of these pulses for the next four years, continuing this support to farmers and promoting self-sufficiency in pulses.
Impact
- Farmers’ Welfare: The extended procurement period and large-scale purchases under the PSS ensure fair prices for farmers, protecting them from market volatility and helping them achieve better income stability.
- Incentivising Production: The government’s focus on pulses procurement aims to enhance domestic production and reduce reliance on imported pulses, which will have long-term benefits for food security and economic self-sufficiency.
