What is PM-AASHA Scheme, Full Form, Objectives, Components

The PM-AASHA Scheme has been extended until 2025-26 (15th Finance Commission Cycle) with a total financial allocation of Rs. 35,000 crore. It will ensure farmers receive remunerative prices for their produce and manage price fluctuations of essential commodities for consumers. Keep reading to learn more about the PM-AASHA Scheme.

PM-AASHA Scheme Overview

PM-AASHA stands for Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay SanraksHan Abhiyan. It is an umbrella scheme launched by the Government of India in September 2018 which aims to protect farmers' income by ensuring they receive remunerative prices for their produce. Here is an overview of the scheme:

Enroll Now for UPSC Online Course

PM-AASHA Scheme Objective

The primary objective of the PM-AASHA scheme is to ensure that farmers receive fair prices for their agricultural produce, particularly pulses, oilseeds, and copra. By implementing this scheme, the government aims to prevent distress sales by farmers and to stabilize their income. 

PM-AASHA scheme is designed to bridge the gap between the MSP and the market price, ensuring that farmers are adequately compensated. This initiative also seeks to stabilize market prices to prevent sudden fluctuations that can harm consumers.

PM-AASHA Scheme Components

The PM-AASHA scheme consists of three key components:

1. Price Support Scheme (PSS): 

1. Objective: To procure pulses, oilseeds, and copra through central nodal agencies like NAFED and FCI with state government collaboration.

2. Implementation: The central government bears the procurement expenses. Crops must meet Fair Average Quality Standards.

3. Benefit: Ensures pre-registered beneficiaries can sell directly to state agencies at MSP.

2. Price Deficit Payment Scheme (PDPS): 

1. Objective: To provide direct payments to farmers for the difference between MSP and the market selling price of notified oilseeds.

2. Implementation: Payments are made directly to farmers' bank accounts, without physical procurement.

3. Benefit: Offers financial support to farmers when market prices fall below MSP.

3. Market Intervention Scheme (MIS): 

1. Objective: Helps farmers of perishable crops, such as tomato, onion, and potato, by offering direct payments or covering transport and storage costs to maintain price stability.

2. Implementation: At the request of state/UT when prices fall by a minimum of 10% from the previous season.

In 2024, the government integrated the Price Support Scheme (PSS) and Price Stabilization Fund (PSF) under PM-AASHA to enhance efficiency in serving both farmers and consumers.

Enroll Now for UPSC Online Course

PM-AASHA Scheme Features

PM-AASHA is part of the broader effort by the Indian government to double farmers' income and boost agricultural sustainability in the country. Here are the key features of the PM-AASHA Scheme:

• Price Assurance to Farmers: PM-AASHA protects farmers by providing them with a guaranteed Minimum Support Price (MSP) for their crops.

• Crops Covered: It covers Pulses such as Tur, Urad, Masoor, etc., Oilseeds including Soyabean, among others, Copra, and Perishable commodities like Tomato, Onion, and Potato.

• Decentralized Procurement: States have the flexibility to choose the procurement mechanism from PSS and PDPS, ensuring efficient and localized implementation.

• Digital Integration: The scheme uses platforms like eSamridhi and eSamyukti portals for registration, monitoring, and payment ensuring transparency.

• Empowering Farmers: The scheme ensures transparency as money is credited directly to farmers’ bank accounts empowering them.

• Farmer Awareness and Education: The scheme also includes measures to inform farmers about the MSP and market conditions.

Extension of PM-AASHA Scheme

In September 2024, the PM-AASHA Scheme was extended when the government approved a financial outlay of Rs. 35,000 crore up to the 2025-26 period. The procurement of notified pulses, oilseeds, and copra at MSP will be set at 25% of national production from the 2024-25 season onwards. 

For Tur, Urad, and Masur crops, 100% procurement will be carried out for the 2024-25 season, while PDPS coverage has increased from 25% to 40% of state oilseed production. It will help ensure the agricultural sector's resilience against market fluctuations.

In conclusion, the PM-AASHA scheme is a significant step towards securing farmers' incomes and promoting agricultural prosperity in India. 

For those aspiring to delve deeper into such government schemes and their implications, consider exploring PW UPSC Courses. These courses offer comprehensive insights and guidance for UPSC aspirants!