Extension of PM-AASHA Programs for Farmers Approved by the Cabinet

The continuance of the PM-AASHA programs, which guarantee fair pricing for farmers and control price volatility of necessary commodities, has been authorized by the Union Cabinet. The goal of PM-AASHA (Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan) is to ensure farmers a Minimum Support Price (MSP) for their output by offering them competitive pricing.

PM-AASHA: Main Components and Financial Implications

• Price Deficit Payment Scheme (PDPS): Farmers are reimbursed when the market price falls below the Minimum Support Price (MSP).
• Price Support Scheme (PSS) — Market intervention for direct crop purchase at MSP.
• Price Stabilisation Fund (PSF), for stabilising essential commodity prices.
• Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) :- Manages funds for procurement due to price volatility.
• The capital cost for PM-AASHA Rs 35,000 crores up to 2025-26.
• Greater coverage and implementation: Coverage from 25% to 40% of state production with a period of one month more for the implementation (4 months instead of 3).
• Initiated in 2019 to protect the income of farmers and to provide them prices they deserve.