Did you know that nearly 50% of India’s population works in agriculture? This shows how vital the sector is for our economy and food. The Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA), launched in September 2018, is a key effort. It aims to help farmers by giving financial help and crop insurance.
With a budget of ₹35,000 crore, the scheme ensures farmers get good prices for their crops. This is important for essential pulses and oilseeds, which often face production issues.
The introduction of PM-AASHA is very important. Agriculture makes up 17.7% of India’s Gross Value Added. But, there are problems with Minimum Support Price (MSP) implementation. States like Punjab and Haryana get more benefits, leaving many farmers unaware of their rights.
Through PM-AASHA, the government wants to protect all farmers’ livelihoods. This way, India can keep feeding its 1.4 billion people.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- PM-AASHA aims to secure better prices for farmers’ produce.
- The scheme has a significant budget allocation of ₹35,000 crore until 2025-26.
- Approximately 50% of India’s workforce is involved in agriculture.
- Agriculture’s contribution to the economy is substantial at 17.7% GVA.
- The scheme focuses on crops like pulses and oilseeds that struggle with production.
- Increased awareness of MSP rights is essential for farmers’ benefits.
Introduction to PM-AASHA
The PM-AASHA introduction is a big step in agricultural policy. It’s designed to protect farmers from price changes. The government wants to help farmers get fair prices for their crops.
This scheme gives farmers financial support. It includes crop insurance. This helps the farming sector grow stronger.
The scheme has features like the Minimum Support Price (MSP). It gives farmers a stable income. The government also sets aside ₹45,000 crore for pulses, oilseeds, and copra at MSP.
By combining the Price Support Scheme (PSS) and the Price Stabilization Fund (PSF), PM-AASHA makes things more efficient. This means farmers get paid better for their work.
In the 2024-25 season, the government plans to buy all tur, urad, and masur crops. But for other crops, they’ll only buy 25% of what’s produced. This helps farmers and keeps prices stable.
The main goal is to improve farmers’ lives. They should be able to do well even when the economy is tough.
Significance of Agriculture in India
Agriculture is key to India’s economy, supporting a big part of the population. About 58% of rural workers are in this sector. It ensures food for everyone and boosts the country’s GDP.
The government backs this sector with schemes like PM-AASHA. This shows its dedication to making agriculture better.
PM-AASHA aims to grow the economy and help farmers. The MSP for kharif crops has gone up by 1.5 times. This shows the government wants farmers to earn well.
From 2014-18, the total procurement went from Rs. 3,500 crore to Rs. 34,000 crore. This shows how much agriculture can change.
This effort also helps rural areas by improving market access. It makes marketing fairer through laws like the Model Agricultural Produce and Livestock Marketing Act. This helps farmers get better prices and brings in private money.
India’s horticulture and agriculture are expected to grow. The demand for organic food is rising fast. This growth is expected to reach US$ 24 billion by 2025. It shows agriculture’s power to grow the economy and help rural areas.
Overview of Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan
The PM-AASHA is a big support scheme for farmers in India. It helps farmers by ensuring they get fair prices for their crops. It focuses on pulses, oilseeds, and copra, which are very important for farmers.
The scheme will spend Rs. 35,000 crore by 2025-26. From 2024-25, it aims to buy 25% of the country’s pulses, oilseeds, and copra at MSP. This means 100% of Tur, Urad, and Masur will be bought that season.
The government has also increased its guarantee for buying crops to Rs. 45,000 crore. The Price Deficit Payment Scheme now covers 40% of oilseed production, up from 25%. This change gives farmers more time to get help.
The Market Intervention Scheme now covers 25% of perishable crops, up from 20%. The government will also pay for moving and storing Tomato, Onion, and Potato. This helps farmers deal with transport issues.
Key Objectives of PM-AASHA
The PM-AASHA scheme aims to help Indian farmers. It focuses on making their finances stable and improving their livelihoods. The main goals include ensuring prices for farm produce and reducing losses after harvest.
By setting guaranteed prices, the scheme wants to create a stable economy. This way, farmers won’t have to sell their crops at low prices.
Ensuring Price Assurance for Farmers
Ensuring price assurance is a key part of PM-AASHA. It uses the Price Support Scheme (PSS) and the Price Deficiency Payment Scheme (PDPS). These schemes give farmers guaranteed prices for their crops.
This helps farmers plan for the future. The government has made sure that 100% of the designated crops are bought at the Minimum Support Price (MSP). This boosts farmers’ confidence.
Reducing Post-Harvest Losses
Reducing losses is also a big goal of PM-AASHA. It tackles the problems in the post-harvest phase where a lot of produce goes to waste. The scheme helps by stepping in when prices drop too low.
It also lets states use the PSS or PDPS to help farmers. This way, farmers get the most from their hard work, protecting their economic interests.
Components of PM-AASHA
The Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA) has key parts to help farmers in India. Each part has a special role. It helps farmers get fair pay for their crops. This supports farming and keeps the economy stable.
Price Support Scheme (PSS)
The Price Support Scheme helps farmers when prices drop. The government promises to buy crops at the Minimum Support Price (MSP). This protects farmers from big losses.
With ₹35,000 crore for the 15th Finance Commission Cycle up to 2025-26, it’s very important. It keeps farmers’ lives stable.
Price Deficiency Payment Scheme (PDPS)
The Price Deficiency Payment Scheme ensures farmers get fair prices. It covers more of the state’s oilseed production, from 25% to 40%. Farmers get paid for the price gap between MSP and sale prices.
The government pays up to 15% of the MSP. This gives farmers more financial security.
Market Intervention Scheme (MIS)
The Market Intervention Scheme helps with perishable items. The government acts when prices drop too low. This lets farmers sell at good prices.
This helps farmers a lot. It helps them deal with changing market prices.
Financial Assistance for Farmers
Financial help for farmers is vital for India’s agriculture to thrive. The Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA) gives farmers the funds they need. It aims to boost farming productivity and stability with a budget of ₹35,000 crore by 2025-26.
PM-AASHA has several schemes to protect farmers’ income. The Price Deficiency Payment Scheme (PDPS) is key, paying for price gaps on certain crops. Now, 40% of state oilseed production is covered, up from 25%. Farmers also get more time to benefit from PDPS, now four months instead of three.
The government promises to buy essential crops at Minimum Support Prices (MSP). Starting 2024-25, it will buy 100% of Tur, Urad, and Masur without limits. This move is backed by ₹45,000 crore, ensuring farmers’ financial stability.
The Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) now helps 25% of perishable horticultural crops, up from 20%. Direct payments to farmers under MIS make support more efficient. The government will also cover transport and storage costs for Tomato, Onion, and Potato, keeping prices stable.
| Key Features of PM-AASHA | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Financial Outlay | ₹35,000 crore (up to 2025-26) |
| MSP Coverage for Pulses, Oilseeds, Copra | 25% of national production starting 2024-25 |
| 100% Procurement of Specific Pulses | Tur, Urad, and Masur (2024-25 season) |
| Government Guarantee for Procurement | ₹45,000 crore |
| PDPS Coverage Increase | From 25% to 40% of state oilseed production |
| PDPS Implementation Period | Extended from 3 to 4 months |
| Compensation for Price Difference | Up to 15% of MSP |
| MIS Coverage Increase | From 20% to 25% of production |
| Direct Differential Payments | To farmers’ accounts under MIS |
It’s important for farmers to understand PM-AASHA’s financial help. These efforts not only provide financial support but also encourage better farming practices. This ensures the sector’s growth and sustainability.
Impact of PM-AASHA on Small and Marginal Farmers
PM-AASHA has a big impact on small and marginal farmers. It gives them important support. This includes price assurance and procurement policies. These help farmers have a stable income, which is key for their survival and growth.
In the Rabi 2023-24 season, 6.41 lakh metric tonnes of pulses were bought. This helped 2.75 lakh farmers, with a total MSP value of ₹4,820 crore. The types of pulses bought were Masoor, Chana, and Moong.
The oilseeds sector saw 12.19 LMT bought, worth ₹6,900 crore. This helped 5.29 lakh farmers. The scheme has helped over 99.3 lakh farmers, buying 195.39 LMT of goods worth ₹1,07,433.73 crore. This has greatly improved their lives.
PM-AASHA has two main schemes: the Price Deficiency Payment Scheme (PDPS) and the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS). PDPS gives quick money to oilseed producers. MIS helps keep prices stable when the market is tough.
The government’s support for small farmers boosts the economy and rural areas. PM-AASHA shows the government’s dedication to improving the lives of small farmers. It’s a big step towards a better future for them.
Government’s Role in Implementing PM-AASHA
The Indian government is actively involved in PM-AASHA. It helps farmers by buying 25% of the marketable surplus of certain crops. This ensures farmers get fair prices for their crops. The government also sets aside about Rs 16,000 crores as a guarantee for the procurement process.
Yet, challenges persist. The NSSO 70th round survey in 2013 found only 6% of farmers sold at the Minimum Support Price (MSP). A 2017 study by K.S. Aditya showed that only 24% of households knew the MSP for their crops. This highlights the need for better infrastructure and awareness about MSP.
The government is aware of these issues. NITI Aayog evaluations found 79% of farmers unhappy with the MSP. They face delays in payments, lack of procurement infrastructure, and long distances to centres. Fixing these problems is key to gaining farmer trust and participation.
The Food Corporation of India (FCI) and NAFED are vital in these efforts. FCI, set up in 1964, manages prices and ensures food security. NAFED helps farmers by promoting cooperative marketing of their produce.
The government wants to double farmers’ incomes by 2022. It aims to improve productivity and post-harvest management. The PM-AASHA Scheme will run until 2025-26, showing the government’s commitment to farmers. Procuring 100% of Tur, Urad, and Masur for the next four years is another example of this dedication.
| Key Implementation Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Marketable Surplus Procurement | 25% of eligible crops |
| Financial Allocation | Rs 16,000 crores for procurement |
| MSP Awareness (2017 Study) | 24% of households aware |
| Farmer Dissatisfaction (NITI Aayog Report) | 79% dissatisfied with MSP regime |
| Procurement Agencies | Food Corporation of India (FCI), NAFED |
| Procurement Target (2024-25) | 100% of Tur in 9 States |
Data on Procurement Under PM-AASHA
In the Rabi season 2023-24, PM-AASHA made big strides in procurement. It procured 6.41 LMT of pulses, helping about 2.75 lakh farmers. This shows how the scheme has positively impacted farming communities, leading to many success stories.
Success Stories from the Rabi Season 2023-24
This season’s achievements show the scheme’s efficiency and its role in agricultural growth. Below is a table with key figures that show the support given to farmers:
| Category | Statistics |
|---|---|
| Budget Allocation for PM-AASHA | ₹35,000 crore |
| Subsidy for NPK Fertilisers | ₹24,475 crore |
| Target Procurement for 2024-25 Season | 13.22 LMT |
| Guaranteed Procurement of Pulses | 100% of Tur, Urad, and Masur |
| Increase in PDPS Coverage | From 25% to 40% of state production |
| Extension of PDPS Benefits | From 3 months to 4 months |
| Market Intervention Scheme Coverage | 25% of perishable horticulture crops |
| Digital Procurement Operations Launched | eSamridhi and eSamyukti Platforms |
| Farmers Benefited So Far | 12,006 |
PM-AASHA offers farmers a wide range of support, improving their livelihoods and making farming more resilient. As we look forward to future seasons, PM-AASHA’s ongoing efforts promise more success in Indian agriculture.
Challenges Faced by Farmers Without PM-AASHA
Without the Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA), farmers face many challenges. They get paid too little for their crops. This can lead to financial trouble and force them to sell at low prices.
This situation makes farmers more vulnerable to market changes. It hurts their way of life and the rural economy.
Without PM-AASHA, the Minimum Support Price (MSP) doesn’t protect farmers from price drops. Poor infrastructure makes it hard to buy and sell crops. The distribution policies by groups like NAFED also add to the problem.
Even with lots of pulses and oilseeds, farmers can’t get fair prices. Traders take advantage of this, making things worse.
Also, the lack of funds for PM-AASHA makes things harder. Farmers don’t get the financial help they need. This makes it tough to keep farming in tough times.
Future Prospects of the PM-AASHA Scheme
The PM-AASHA scheme looks set for a bright future. The government plans to make it more effective and reach more farmers. This will happen through better agricultural policies and new technologies.
GrAMs will help farmers get their produce to market more easily. The government has set aside ₹35,000 crore for PM-AASHA until 2025-26. This shows their commitment to helping farmers.
Policy changes will help farmers earn more reliably. For example, 25% of national production for key crops will be bought from farmers in 2024-25. This will boost their income. The Market Intervention Scheme will also help by fixing price issues.
The government aims to double farmers’ income by 2022. With these plans, PM-AASHA will help make farming in India stronger. Keeping up with changes in agriculture is key for growth.
Importance of Crop Insurance in PM-AASHA
Crop insurance is key in the Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA). It acts as a safety net for farmers against natural disasters and market changes. This helps farmers manage their financial risks, making farming more secure.
Having crop insurance helps me keep my income stable. It means I don’t lose too much money when things go wrong. This lets me invest more in farming, which can improve my yields.
It also helps me make better choices about new farming methods or technologies. This is because I know I have insurance to fall back on.
Together with PM-AASHA, crop insurance can really change the lives of small farmers. Before, we were worried about market changes. Now, with insurance, we can try new farming ideas without fear of losing everything.
Empowering Rural Development through PM-AASHA
The PM-AASHA scheme is key in boosting rural areas. It helps the farming sector and supports green farming. By setting a minimum price for crops, it helps farmers deal with market ups and downs.
By February 2025, big steps were taken. For example, 0.15 LMT of Tur was bought, helping over 12,000 farmers.
This plan aims to solve problems like low farm prices and distress sales. The government wants to buy 100% of Tur, Urad, and Masur for 2024-25. This ensures farmers get fair pay for their crops, improving their lives and helping rural areas grow.
The PM-AASHA also helps farmers grow better crops. This leads to more food and higher earnings. The Price Deficiency Payment Scheme (PDPS) has helped farmers in Maharashtra a lot. This shows how the scheme helps farmers and boosts the local economy.
To keep improving, we need to spread the word and make buying easier. We must fix issues like late payments and poor facilities. This will make PM-AASHA even more powerful in helping farmers and growing rural areas.
Conclusion
The Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan, or PM-AASHA, is a game-changer for farmers in India. Launched in 2018, it helps farmers get fair prices for their crops. This is thanks to the Price Support Scheme and the Price Deficiency Payment Scheme.
PM-AASHA tackles the financial worries that farmers often face. It boosts productivity and helps the economy grow. The scheme is getting better, with more money and covering more crops.
The direct benefit transfer model gives farmers money quickly. This helps them avoid financial stress. But, there are challenges like making sure payments reach farmers smoothly.
PM-AASHA is more than just support for farmers. It’s building a strong agricultural sector. It keeps improving to meet farmer needs, ensuring food security and sustainable growth. This shows how important it is for India’s success.
FAQ
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References
Farmer Income Protection Scheme (PM AASHA)
