India Extends PM-AASHA Scheme to Boost Farmer Support
The Government of India has officially approved the continuation of the integrated Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA) Scheme through the 15th Finance Commission Cycle, extending its reach until 2025-26. This initiative aims to enhance procurement operations, ensuring farmers receive fair prices for their produce while stabilizing the prices of essential commodities for consumers. The scheme includes a robust Price Support Scheme (PSS) that facilitates the procurement of key crops directly from registered farmers at Minimum Support Prices (MSP).
Key Features of the PM-AASHA Scheme
The integrated PM-AASHA Scheme is designed to streamline procurement processes and improve the effectiveness of agricultural support systems in India. By focusing on providing remunerative prices to farmers, the scheme plays a crucial role in mitigating price volatility for essential commodities. Under the PSS, the Central Nodal Agencies (CNAs) are responsible for procuring notified pulses, oilseeds, and copra that meet the Fair Average Quality (FAQ) standards. This initiative not only benefits farmers but also ensures that consumers have access to these commodities at affordable prices.
To further incentivize domestic production of pulses and reduce reliance on imports, the government has announced that it will procure 100% of the production of Tur, Urad, and Masur for the procurement year 2024-25. This strategic move aims to bolster local agriculture and enhance self-sufficiency in pulse production across the nation.
Procurement Plans for 2024-25
In a significant announcement, the government has committed to procuring Tur (Arhar), Urad, and Masur at 100% of the state’s production for an additional four years, extending the initiative until 2028-29. This decision was confirmed during the Budget 2025 presentation, emphasizing the government’s focus on achieving self-sufficiency in pulses.
Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, has approved the procurement quantities for the upcoming Kharif 2024-25 season. The approved amounts include 13.22 LMT of Tur (Arhar), 9.40 LMT of Masur, and 1.35 LMT of Urad. The procurement will take place in several states, including Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh, ensuring widespread support for farmers across the country.
Current Status of Procurement Operations
As of now, procurement operations have commenced in states such as Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Telangana. By March 11, 2025, a total of 1.31 LMT of Tur (Arhar) has already been procured, benefiting approximately 89,219 farmers in these regions. The government is committed to ensuring that Tur procurement continues seamlessly in other states as well.
Farmers can register for procurement through the eSamridhi portal of NAFED and the aSamyukti portal of NCCF. The Government of India remains dedicated to facilitating 100% procurement of Tur from farmers through these central nodal agencies, reinforcing its commitment to supporting the agricultural sector and enhancing food security in the country.
Observer Voice is the one stop site for National, International news, Editor’s Choice, Art/culture contents, Quotes and much more. We also cover historical contents. Historical contents includes World History, Indian History, and what happened today. The website also covers Entertainment across the India and World.