Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA) Scheme

The Government of India has approved the continuation of the PM-AASHA scheme till 2025-26 during the 15th Finance Commission cycle.

About PM AASHA Scheme

Launch: The Integrated PM AASHA Scheme was launched in 2018.
Objective: To ensure remunerative prices for farmers through effective procurement operations and price support mechanisms.
Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Agriculture and Farmer’s Welfare
It is a Central Sector Scheme implemented through Central Nodal Agencies (NAFED, NCCF) in coordination with State Governments.

Component	Crops Covered	Objective	Key Features
Price Support Scheme (PSS)	Pulses, Oilseeds, and Copra (meeting FAQ standards)	Ensure farmers get MSP for their produce	Procurement managed by NAFED and FCI. Farmers sell directly at MSP through state agencies. 100% procurement of Tur, Urad, and Masur to reduce imports
Price Stabilization Fund (PSF)	Pulses and Onions	Stabilize prices and prevent hoarding	Maintains buffer stock of pulses and onions Procurement through eSamridhi (NAFED) & eSamyukti (NCCF). Procurement triggered when market price exceeds MSP
Price Deficit Payment Scheme (PDPS)	All oilseeds with a notified MSP	Compensate farmers for price deficits	Farmers receive direct payment for the difference between MSP & market price States can choose PSS or PDPS for oilseeds. Coverage expanded to 40% of oilseed production for 4 months
Market Intervention Scheme (MIS)	For Perishable crops such as Tomato, Onion, and Potato.	Provide financial support during price crashes	Increased coverage from 20% to 25% of production Direct cash payments replace physical procurement Government covers transportation and storage costs for TOP crops

Expansion of Procurement Operations: The government has approved the procurement of 100% of Tur, Urad, and Masur in 9 States under PSS for the Kharif 2024-25 season.
- Procurement Target: 13.22 Lakh Metric Tonnes (LMT) across multiple states.
Benefits to Farmers: 12,006 farmers have benefited so far with 0.15 LMT of Tur procured in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Telangana.
- Direct procurement ensures higher earnings and price security for farmers.
Market Stability and Import Reduction:
- Buffer stock prevents market price volatility.
- Reduced dependency on imports by incentivizing domestic production of pulses.
- Ensures affordable prices for consumers while maintaining food security.

Four-Year Extension of 100% Procurement for Tur, Urad, and Masur with commitment to self-sufficiency in pulses through NAFED and NCCF.
Increased Coverage for Oilseeds Under PDPS: Farmers receive direct compensation for price deficits.
Digital Procurement via ePortals: Procurement operations streamlined via eSamridhi (NAFED) and eSamyukti (NCCF).
Greater Flexibility for States: States can choose PSS or PDPS for oilseeds based on their local agricultural conditions.

Fair Pricing for Farmers: Ensures farmers receive remunerative prices above MSP.
Boosts Rural Economy: Enhances income security and economic stability in farming communities.
Reduces Dependence on Imports: Incentivizes domestic production of pulses and oilseeds.
Prevents Market Volatility: Buffer stocks stabilize prices and protect consumers from price shocks.
Supports Crop Diversification: Encourages farmers to grow pulses and oilseeds, reducing soil and water stress.
Reduces Storage and Procurement Costs: Use of digital payments and direct price support reduces the burden of physical procurement.

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