Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM AASHA)

PM AASHA scheme or Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan is a scheme introduced to ensure that farmers receive the right price for their crops.

To know more about this scheme, read on below!

PM AASHA is an umbrella term that encompasses many different schemes for farmers. This scheme aims to ensure that farmers receive remuneration for their crops. Moreover, the Indian Government introduced this scheme because of farmer unrest in the country since many critical agricultural commodities fell below their Minimum Support Price.

PM AASHA has three components, and states can choose whichever one they wish to implement. The three components are -

• Price Support Scheme (PSS): Central nodal agencies will obtain oilseeds, pulses, and crops. NAFED (National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Limited) and FCI (Food Cooperation of India) will participate in PSS operations. The Union Government will bear all expenses regarding this scheme.
• Pilot of Private Procurement and Stockist Schemes (PPPS): This scheme will allow private players to participate in the procurement of crops.
• Price Deficiency Payment Scheme (PDPS): In this scheme, no procurement will take place. Instead, the Government will offer the difference between the minimum selling price and the selling price to farmers.

The benefits of PM AASHA is -

• The three separate schemes PSS, PPPS, and PDPS, will cover the difference (gaps) in the procurement and the compensation scheme for crops.
• It will also help to benefit and revive the rural economy.
• With PM AASHA, farmers do not need to undergo the hassle of procurement, storage or disposal.

There are many challenges regarding this scheme. First, not many people are aware of the minimum selling price in their states. Hence, there is still a gap in this scheme’s implementation.