The continuation of the Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA) scheme has been approved by the Union Cabinet.
The Union Cabinet allocated Rs. 35,000 crore for it till the 15th Finance Commission Cycle up to 2025-26.
This decision aims to control price volatility of necessary commodities for consumers and to guarantee farmers receive fair prices.
To increase its efficacy, the Price Support Scheme (PSS) and Price Stabilisation Fund (PSF) are combined into one program, the PM-AASHA scheme.
The Price Support program (PSS), Price Stabilisation Fund (PSF), Price Deficit Payment Scheme (PDPS), and Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) will now be a part of the integrated program.
The purchase of copra, oilseeds, and notified pulses at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) will account for 25% of the country’s output beginning in the 2024–2025 growing season.
This change aims to increase the amount of these crops purchased at MSP.
For the 2024–2025 season, the government intends to purchase all of Tur, Urad, and Masur, therefore the procurement ceiling will not apply to them.
Additionally, the government has raised to Rs. 45,000 crore its guarantee for the purchase of oilseeds, copra, and pulses.
With an extended implementation period of four months, the Price Deficit Payment Scheme (PDPS) coverage for recognised oilseeds has been enhanced from 25% to 40% of state production in an effort to further support farmers.
Farmers would get compensation under the system for the gap between MSP and market price and up to 15% of MSP will be covered by the central government.