PM-AASHA

Context:

The Government highlighted the integrated implementation of PM-AASHA components, including PSS, PSF, PDPS, and MIS, for safeguarding farmer incomes and stabilising prices of key agricultural commodities.

About PM-AASHA:

Pradhan Mantri AnnadataAaySanrakshan Abhiyan.
Objective: Ensure remunerative prices to farmers and affordable prices for consumers.
Components:
- Price Support Scheme (PSS) – Operational on request from States/UTs when market prices of notified pulses, oilseeds, and copra fall below MSP.
  - Procurement done by Central Nodal Agencies (CNAs):
    - National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd. (NAFED)
    - National Cooperative Consumers’ Federation of India Ltd. (NCCF)
  - Operates through State agencies.
  - Farmers must be pre-registered with valid land records.
  - Procurement based on Fair Average Quality (FAQ)
  - Eliminates intermediaries—MSP payment is made directly to farmers.
- Price Stabilisation Fund (PSF) – Administered by Department of Consumer Affairs.
  - Maintains buffer stocks of major pulses (Tur, Urad, Chana, Moong, Masur) and onion.
  - Releases stocks during low supply/lean season to stabilise prices.
- Price Deficit Payment Scheme (PDPS) – Compensates farmers for the difference between MSP and actual selling price (without physical procurement).
- Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) – For procurement of perishable and horticultural crops not covered under MSP, during price crashes.