Context: The PM-AASHA scheme was extended until 2025-26 to improve procurement and ensure fair prices for farmers.
Launched: September 2018
Ministry: Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare
Crops Covered: Pulses, Oilseeds and Copra
The key updates regarding the PM-AASHA scheme:
- Continuation Approved: The Government of India has approved the continuation of the PM-AASHA scheme through the 15th Finance Commission Cycle, up to 2025-26.
- Objective: The scheme aims to provide fair prices to farmers, control price volatility, and ensure essential commodities remain affordable to consumers.
- Procurement of Pulses, Oilseeds, and Copra: Under the Price Support Scheme (PSS), procurement of notified pulses, oilseeds, and copra at MSP is being conducted by Central Nodal Agencies (CNAs) through State-level agencies.
- 100% Procurement for 2024-25: To boost domestic production and reduce import dependence, the government has approved the procurement of Tur, Urad, and Masur for the 2024-25 procurement year.
- Budget Announcement: The government announced in Budget 2025 that procurement of these pulses will continue for another four years to achieve self-sufficiency in pulses.
- Approved Procurement for Kharif 2024-25: A total of 13.22 LMT of Tur (Arhar) has been approved for procurement in Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh.
- Support for Price-Sensitive Crops: Through PDPS and MIS, PM-AASHA supports crops like tomatoes, onions, and potatoes.
- Commitment to 100% Procurement: The Department of Consumer Affairs (DoCA) will procure pulses at market prices, including from pre-registered farmers on the eSamridhi portal of NAFED and eSamyukti portal of NCCF, whenever market prices exceed MSP.