PM-AASHA Scheme for Farmers' Welfare

Summary of the Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA)

The Government of India has launched the Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA) with the key objectives of ensuring that farmers receive fair and remunerative prices for their produce while simultaneously making essential commodities available to consumers at affordable prices. The initiative encompasses several components aimed at stabilizing prices and protecting both farmers and consumers.

Components of PM-AASHA:

1. Price Support Scheme (PSS):

   • Operationalized upon requests from State and Union Territory Governments.
   • Targets the procurement of specified commodities (pulses, oilseeds, and copra) when market prices fall below the Minimum Support Price (MSP) during peak harvesting periods.
   • Aims to prevent distress sales by guaranteeing procurement at MSP.
   • Commodity procurement is executed by Central Nodal Agencies (CNAs) such as the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd. (NAFED) and the National Cooperative Consumers’ Federation of India Ltd. (NCCF).
   • Purchases are made directly from pre-registered farmers with valid land records, thus eliminating intermediaries.

2. Price Stabilisation Fund (PSF):

   • Administered by the Department of Consumer Affairs.
   • Intended to stabilize prices of agricultural commodities and protect consumers from price volatility.
   • Commodities are procured and stored in buffer stocks, which are released strategically during periods of low supply.

3. Price Deficit Payment Scheme (PDPS) and Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) are additional mechanisms but details were not specified in the communication.

Farmer Support and Registration:

• Prior to the procurement season, the government engages in extensive awareness activities and publicity to encourage farmer participation.
• Farmers are supported in registering on dedicated digital platforms, e-Samriddhi and e-Samukti, developed by NAFED and NCCF respectively.
• Registration requires farmers to provide basic personal and agricultural details, ensuring a streamlined procurement process.
• The system is designed to facilitate direct transfers of MSP payments into farmers' bank accounts, thus reducing delays.

Transparency and Efficiency:

• The dedicated digital platforms enhance transparency and efficiency in the procurement process, enabling farmers to select their nearest purchase centers and schedule visits conveniently.
• The initiatives undertaken within PM-AASHA are also aligned with broader objectives of ensuring food price stability and promoting farmer welfare within the agricultural economy.

Key Points:

• PM-AASHA aims to ensure fair prices for farmers and affordable prices for consumers.
• Key components include Price Support Scheme (PSS) and Price Stabilisation Fund (PSF).
• PSS guarantees procurement at Minimum Support Price (MSP) for notified crops.
• Procurements occur directly from registered farmers, reducing the role of intermediaries.
• Extensive awareness and registration activities are conducted to support farmer participation.
• NAFED and NCCF have developed digital platforms for transparency and efficiency in the procurement process.
• Payments are directly transferred to farmers’ bank accounts, ensuring prompt financial support.

This information was disclosed by Shri Ramnath Thakur, Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, during a written response in the Lok Sabha.