Govt Approves Extension of PM-AASHA Scheme to Strengthen Farmers’ Welfare and Ensure Price Stability

This decision aims to enhance the efficiency of procurement operations, ensuring that farmers receive remunerative prices for their produce while maintaining the affordability of key commodities for consumers.

In a significant move to bolster agricultural welfare and stabilize essential commodity prices, the Government of India has approved the continuation of the integrated Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA) Scheme during the 15th Finance Commission Cycle up to 2025-26. This decision aims to enhance the efficiency of procurement operations, ensuring that farmers receive remunerative prices for their produce while maintaining the affordability of key commodities for consumers.

Key Highlights of the PM-AASHA Scheme

1. Price Support Scheme (PSS):

   • Under PSS, the procurement of notified pulses, oilseeds, and copra conforming to Fair Average Quality (FAQ) standards is carried out at the Minimum Support Price (MSP).
   • Central Nodal Agencies (CNAs) such as NAFED (National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India) and NCCF (National Cooperative Consumers’ Federation of India) procure these commodities directly from pre-registered farmers through state-level agencies.

2. 100% Procurement of Key Pulses to Boost Domestic Production:

   • To reduce dependency on imports and encourage domestic production, the Government has approved the procurement of Tur (Arhar), Urad, and Masur under PSS up to 100% of the production of the respective State for the procurement year 2024-25.
   • Further, as announced in Budget 2025, this 100% procurement initiative will be extended for another four years, up to 2028-29, to achieve self-sufficiency in pulses.

3. Approved Procurement Quantities for Kharif 2024-25:

   • Tur (Arhar): 13.22 LMT (Lakh Metric Tonnes)
   • Masur: 9.40 LMT
   • Urad: 1.35 LMT

4. Procurement Across Multiple States:

   • The procurement of Tur (Arhar) under PSS for Kharif 2024-25 has been approved in Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh.
   • Procurement operations have already commenced in Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Telangana.
   • As of March 11, 2025, a total of 1.31 LMT of Tur (Arhar) has been procured, directly benefiting 89,219 farmers in these states.
   • The procurement process in other states will commence soon.

Digital Platforms for Farmer Registration

• To ensure transparency and efficiency, Tur (Arhar) procurement is conducted via eSamridhi portal of NAFED and aSamyukti portal of NCCF.
• Farmers must pre-register on these portals to avail the benefits of procurement under MSP.

Government Commitment to Farmer Welfare

The Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, reaffirmed the Government of India's commitment to 100% procurement of Tur from farmers through the designated Central Nodal Agencies (NAFED and NCCF). This initiative will play a crucial role in stabilizing prices, securing fair earnings for farmers, and strengthening India’s food security by boosting domestic pulse production.

The continued implementation of the PM-AASHA Scheme underlines the government’s proactive approach to agricultural reforms, ensuring that the interests of farmers remain safeguarded while securing essential commodities for the nation at reasonable prices.