Context:
Government approves Integrated Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA) Scheme till 2025-26
Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay SanraksHan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA)
- An umbrella scheme designed to ensure farmers receive remunerative prices for their produce.
- Launched in 2018
- Ministry – Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare
- Crops Coverage – Pulses, Oilseeds and Copra
- States can choose to implement any of its 3 components, namely Price Support Scheme (PSS) Price Deficiency Payment Scheme (PDPS) Market Intervention Scheme (MIS)
- Price Support Scheme (PSS) –
- Involves the physical procurement of pulses, oilseeds, and copra by Central Nodal Agencies with active involvement of state governments.
- Agencies like NAFED and FCI will conduct PSS operations in various states and districts.
- Price Deficiency Payment Scheme (PDPS) –
- Covers all oilseeds notified for Minimum Support Price (MSP).
- Provides direct payment to pre-registered farmers for the difference between MSP and the selling price in a transparent auction process at notified market yards.
- Payments are made directly into the farmer’s registered bank account.
- There is no physical procurement under this scheme; it only compensates the price difference upon sale in the notified market.
- Market Intervention Scheme –
- For procurement of perishable commodities not covered under MSP, such as tomato, onion and potato etc.
- Implemented on request of state/UT when market prices fall by at least 10% from the previous season
Source: PIB
Previous Year Question
Which one of the following best describes the main objective of Seed Village Concept?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2015 Prelims]
(a) Encouraging the farmers to use their own farm seeds and discouraging them to buy the seeds from others
(b) Involving the farmers for training in quality seed production and thereby to make available quality seeds to others at appropriate time and affordable cost
(c) Earmarking some villages exclusively for the production of certified seeds
(d) Identifying the entrepreneurs in villages and providing them technology and finance to set up seed companies
Answer: (b)