The Government of India has approved the continuation of the integrated Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA) Scheme during the 15th Finance Commission Cycle, up to 2025-26. The scheme comprises the Price Support Scheme (PSS), Price Deficiency Payment Scheme (PDPS), Market Intervention Scheme (MIS), and Price Stabilisation Fund (PSF). The Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare administers PSS, PDPS, and MIS, while the Department of Consumer Affairs oversees PSF.
The integrated PM-AASHA Scheme aims to enhance the effectiveness of procurement operations, ensuring remunerative prices for farmers while controlling price volatility of essential commodities, thereby making them available to consumers at affordable prices.
Under PSS, the procurement of notified Pulses, Oilseeds, and Copra that meet the Fair Average Quality (FAQ) standards is undertaken by Central Nodal Agencies (CNAs) at the Minimum Support Price (MSP). These purchases are made directly from pre-registered farmers through State-level agencies.
Extension of Soybean & Groundnut Procurement
The Government has approved the procurement of Soybean under PSS in the states of Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Telangana for Kharif 2024-25. As of February 9, 2025, a total of 19.99 LMT of soybean has been procured, benefiting 8,46,251 farmers. Additionally, Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, has approved an extension of the procurement period in Maharashtra by 24 days and in Telangana by 15 days, beyond the usual 90-day procurement period, in the interest of farmers.
Similarly, the Government has approved the procurement of Groundnut under PSS in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh for Kharif 2024-25. By February 9, 2025, a total of 15.73 LMT of groundnut has been procured, benefiting 4,75,183 farmers. Further, Shivraj Singh Chouhan has approved an extension of the procurement period in Gujarat by 6 days and in Karnataka by 25 days, beyond the standard 90-day period, to safeguard the interests of farmers.
Procurement of Tur, Urad & Masur
To incentivize farmers and enhance domestic pulses production, thereby reducing dependence on imports, the Government has approved the procurement of Tur, Urad, and Masur under PSS equivalent to 100% of the state’s production for the 2024-25 procurement year.
Additionally, as announced in Budget 2025, the procurement of Tur, Urad, and Masur—up to 100% of state production—will continue for four more years through Central Nodal Agencies, ensuring the country moves toward self-sufficiency in pulses.
