Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay SanraksHan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA)

About Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay SanraksHan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA):

• It is an umbrella scheme aimed at ensuring remunerative prices to the farmers for their produce.
• PM AASHA has three components, and states can choose whichever one they wish to implement. The three components are
• Price Support Scheme (PSS):
  • In PSS, physical procurement of pulses, oilseeds, and copra will be done by Central Nodal Agencies with the proactive role of state governments. 
  • In addition to the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED), Food Cooperation of India (FCI)will take up PSS operations in states/districts.
  • The procurement expenditure and losses due to procurement will be borne by Central Government as per norms. 
• Price Deficiency Payment Scheme (PDPS): 
  • Under PDPS, it is proposed to cover all oilseeds for which MSP is notified.
  • Direct payment of the difference between the MSP and the selling/modal price will be made to pre-registered farmers selling his produce in the notified market yard through a transparent auction process.
  • All payments will be done directly into the registered bank account of the farmer.
  • This scheme does not involve any physical procurement of crops, as farmers are paid the difference between the MSP price and the Sale/modal price on disposal in the notified market.
  • The support of central government for PDPS will be given as per norms.
• Pilot of Private Procurement and Stockist Schemes (PPPS):
  • In addition to PDPS, for oilseeds, states have the option to roll out PPSS on a pilot basis in selected districts/Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMCs) of districts involving the participation of private stockist. 
  • This scheme will allow private players to participate in the procurement of crops.
  • The pilot district/selected APMC(s) of the district will cover one or more crops of oilseeds for which MSP is notified.
• Only one scheme, i.e., PSS or PDPS, may be made operational in one State with respect to one commodity. 

Q1: What is the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED)?

NAFED, an apex Organisation under the Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India deals with marketing cooperatives for agricultural produce in India. NAFED has been started with the objective to organize, promote and develop marketing, processing and storage of agricultural, horticultural and forest produce, distribution of agricultural machinery, implements and other inputs, undertake inter-state, import and export trade, wholesale or retail and to facilitate, coordinate and promote the marketing and trading activities of the cooperative institutions, partners and associates in agricultural and other commodities.

Source: Union cabinet extends PM-AASHA price support scheme in agriculture till 2025-26