Prime Minister Annadata Income Protection Campaign (PM-AASHA)

Why is it in discussion?

• The central government has approved the continuation of the Prime Minister Annadata Income Protection Campaign (PM-AASHA) scheme until the year 2025-26.
• The government will procure 100% of the production of pigeon pea (tur), black gram (urad), and lentils (masoor) from states for the next four years.

Prime Minister Annadata Income Protection Campaign (PM-AASHA)

• Scheme Name: Prime Minister Annadata Income Protection Campaign
• Launched On: September 12, 2018
• Duration: 2018 to 2025-26
• Objective: Ensuring that farmers receive the benefits of the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for their produce.
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare
• Implementation Areas: All states and union territories
• Official Website: agriwelfare.gov.in

Key Components of PM-AASHA Scheme

The PM-AASHA scheme is divided into three major components:

1. Price Support Scheme (PSS)

• This scheme is implemented through state governments and central agencies.
• Under this scheme, agencies like NAFED, FCI, and CCI procure crops such as oilseeds, pulses, and cotton.
• If market prices fall below MSP, the government purchases these crops at MSP to protect farmers.

2. Price Deficiency Payment Scheme (PDPS)

• This scheme is based on Madhya Pradesh’s "Bhavantar Bhugtan Yojana".
• If the market price of a crop falls below MSP, the government directly compensates farmers for the difference in their bank accounts.
• This scheme mainly focuses on oilseeds (mustard, soybean, etc.).
• Farmers have the freedom to sell their produce in the open market while still receiving MSP benefits.

3. Private Procurement and Stockist Scheme (PPSS)

• Implemented on a pilot basis in selected states.
• Under this, private companies and traders are authorized to procure crops at MSP from farmers.
• The government provides partial financial assistance to these private entities.
• This scheme primarily applies to oilseeds.

Features & Benefits of PM-AASHA Scheme

• Guaranteed MSP: Farmers are assured of a fair price for their crops.
• Direct Government Procurement: Protects farmers' income by purchasing crops directly from them.
• Price Compensation: If market prices drop, the government pays the difference to farmers.
• Market Stability: Shields farmers from price fluctuations.
• Boosts Oilseed & Pulse Production: Helps India achieve self-sufficiency in food security.

Eligibility for PM-AASHA Scheme

• All farmers in India are eligible.
• Farmers must sell their crops in the market, and if they receive a price lower than MSP, the government compensates the difference.
• Farmers must be registered under PM-KISAN and other government schemes to receive direct bank payments.

Crops Covered Under PM-AASHA Scheme

• Pulse Crops: moong, urad, tur, masoor, chana, and matar.
• Oilseeds: Mustard, soybean, sunflower, groundnut, sesame.
• Copra (dried coconut kernel)
• Cotton (covered under Price Support Scheme)

Significance of PM-AASHA Scheme

• Acts as a safety net for farmers, ensuring MSP benefits and stable income.
• Farmers can sell their produce without risk, as the government compensates them if they receive lower prices.
• Strengthens the agricultural sector in India.
• Plays a key role in the goal of doubling farmers’ income.