PM AASHA Full Form

PM AASHA stands for Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay SanraksHan Abhiyan. It is one of the huge steps that has been taken by the Government to support farmer-friendly programmes. The government has recently approved the umbrella programme PM AASHA. It mainly aims to ensure that the farmer receives fair pricing for their produce. It is an unusual move on the part of the government.

With the help of a strong procurement structure and close cooperation with the states, the current initiative is anticipated to supplement the rise in Minimum Support Price (MSP) and improve farmer income.

Components Of PM AASHA

• Price Support Schemes: Under the Price Support Scheme, the State Government helps the Central Nodal Agencies to purchase pulses and oilseeds. The Food Corporation of India and the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED) will establish the PSS, and costs incurred would be covered by the Central Government.
• Price Deficiency Payment Scheme: Under this programme, all the oilseeds that have been notified for Special Purchase are covered. The registered farmers will be paid directly the difference between the Minimum Support Price (MSP) and the Selling Price. The farmer’s registered bank account receives all the payments.
• The pilot of Private Procurement and Stockist Scheme: Under the terms of the programme, the private sector will participate in the procurement process. The states will have the opportunity to implement the programme on a pilot basis in a few Agricultural Produce Market Committees (APMCs) with private sector participation.

Challenges For PM AASHA

• It does not improve the country’s efficient infrastructure for procurement mechanisms for rice and wheat.
• According to a study by K.S. Aditya in 2017, only 24% of the farming force was aware of the MSP and it was only being operated in a few states.
• The number of products purchased by authorized state agencies was little, with the exception of wheat and rice, which resulted in less awareness.
• According to the NITI Aayog’s assessment, the long-term procurement capabilities in a number of states were discovered to be insufficient.

Benefits Of PM AASHA

• The gaps in the procurement and the compensation plan for crops will be covered by the three distinct schemes PSS, PPPS, and PDPS.
• It will also support and boost the rural economy.
• Farmers no longer have to deal with the burden of purchase, storage or disposal.