PM-AASHA Scheme: Securing Farmers' Income

 

Context: The Government of India has approved the continuation of the Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA) Scheme till 2025-26 under the 15th Finance Commission cycle.

About PM-AASHA Scheme

• Objective: Ensures remunerative prices for farmers through effective procurement and price support mechanisms.
• Ministry: Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare.
• Implementing Agencies: Central Nodal Agencies (NAFED, NCCF) along with State Governments.

Key Components:

1. Price Support Scheme (PSS): Procurement of pulses, oilseeds, and copra at Minimum Support Price (MSP).
   • 25% of production coverage, except 100% for Tur, Urad, and Masur in 2024-25.
2. Price Stabilization Fund (PSF): Maintains buffer stocks of pulses and onions to prevent hoarding and stabilize prices.
3. Price Deficit Payment Scheme (PDPS): Direct compensation for the difference between MSP and market price, covering 40% of oilseed production.
4. Market Intervention Scheme (MIS): Ensures fair prices for perishable horticulture crops, with payments made directly to farmers.

Key Features:

• Fair Pricing: Procurement at MSP ensures fair prices for farmers.
• Self-Sufficiency: Government guarantees 100% procurement of pulses (Tur, Urad, Masur) for four years.
• Reduced Import Dependence: Boosts domestic production of pulses and minimizes imports.
• Direct Farmer Registration: Enables pre-registered farmers to sell directly at procurement centers.
• Price Stabilization: Prevents price volatility and ensures affordability for consumers.

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MCQs for UPSC CSE

1. Which ministry administers the PM-AASHA scheme?
   A) Ministry of Rural Development
   B) Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare
   C) Ministry of Consumer Affairs
   D) Ministry of Finance
   Answer: B) Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare

2. Which component of PM-AASHA maintains buffer stock of pulses and onions?
   A) Price Support Scheme (PSS)
   B) Price Deficit Payment Scheme (PDPS)
   C) Price Stabilization Fund (PSF)
   D) Market Intervention Scheme (MIS)
   Answer: C) Price Stabilization Fund (PSF)

3. What is the coverage percentage under the Price Deficit Payment Scheme for oilseed production?
   A) 25%
   B) 50%
   C) 40%
   D) 30%
   Answer: C) 40%

4. Which crops are guaranteed 100% procurement under PM-AASHA in 2024-25?
   A) Wheat, Rice, Maize
   B) Tur, Urad, Masur
   C) Cotton, Jute, Barley
   D) Soybean, Groundnut, Bajra
   Answer: B) Tur, Urad, Masur

5. What is the primary objective of PM-AASHA?
   A) Promote organic farming
   B) Provide crop insurance
   C) Ensure remunerative prices for farmers
   D) Offer farm loan waivers
   Answer: C) Ensure remunerative prices for farmers

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UPSC Mains Question:

Q: Discuss the significance of the PM-AASHA scheme in safeguarding the income of farmers. How do its components contribute to stabilizing agricultural markets and ensuring self-sufficiency in key crops?

Also Read:

• PM-AASHA Scheme: Securing Farmers' Income