PM-AASHA (Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan)

✦Key Features

• Component 1 - PSS (Price Support Scheme): NAFED/NCCF physically procure oilseeds, pulses, copra at MSP when market falls below MSP
• Component 2 - PDPS (Price Deficiency Payment): difference between MSP and market price directly to farmer (no physical procurement)
• Component 3 - PPSS (Private Procurement and Stockist): pilot for oilseeds; private stockists procure at MSP with government guarantee
• Target commodities: oilseeds (groundnut, mustard, soya, sunflower, sesame), pulses, copra
• Annual limit: 25% of state production per commodity
• PM-KISAN provides income support; PM-AASHA ensures price support — complementary

✓Eligibility Criteria

• Implementing agencies such as State Procurement Agencies and Central Nodal Agencies like NAFED and SFAC.
• States and Union Territories that opt for the Price Support Scheme (PSS) or Price Deficiency Payment Scheme (PDPS).
• Individual farmers growing notified oilseeds, pulses, and copra in participating states.
• Private procurement agencies selected by the state government for the Pilot Private Procurement Stockist Scheme (PPPS).

★Benefits

• Systemic outcome of ensuring price stability for essential commodities like pulses and oilseeds through government intervention.
• Physical procurement of agricultural produce at Minimum Support Price (MSP) when market prices fall below it.
• Direct financial compensation for the difference between MSP and the modal market price under the PDPS sub-scheme.
• Incentivization of private sector participation in agricultural markets through the private procurement pilot program.
• Enhanced income security for farmers, reducing the risk of distress sales during bumper harvest seasons.

▶Application Process

• The State Government selects the appropriate sub-scheme (PSS, PDPS, or PPPS) and notifies the procurement period.
• Farmers register on the designated state portal with their land records and crop sowing details.
• The state authorities verify the farmer data and crop acreage to prevent circular trading.
• Farmers bring their produce to the designated procurement centers or mandi during the notified window.
• Payments are made directly to the farmer's bank account via DBT based on the Minimum Support Price (MSP) or price difference.

₹ Budget Allocation

1500

Funding Ratio (Centre:State): Centrally Sponsored (Central govt bears the loss/difference for PDPS and PSS up to a limit)

Historical Context

Launched in 2018 to address falling farm prices and rural distress despite record harvests.