The Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on March 27, 2025, announced that the Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA) scheme would be extended until 2025-26. This decision ensures the continuation of the procurement of pulses and oilseeds at the Minimum Support Price (MSP), benefiting farmers across the country. The PM-AASHA scheme plays a crucial role in securing the livelihoods of Indian farmers by assuring them a fixed price for their produce, even when market prices fluctuate.

Key Developments under the PM-AASHA Scheme

The extension of the PM-AASHA scheme comes as part of the Indian government's ongoing efforts to ensure food security and self-reliance in pulses. Under this scheme, the procurement of pulses like toor, masoor, and urad dal at MSP continues, helping farmers achieve fair prices for their crops. Chouhan emphasized that the procurement process for these crops is underway in states such as Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Telangana through agencies like NAFED (National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India) and NCCF (National Cooperative Consumers' Federation of India).

The government has also allowed state governments to buy pulses directly from farmers under the PM-AASHA scheme, ensuring that purchases are made at MSP to provide a safety net for farmers. This initiative ensures that no farmer is forced to sell their produce at a lower price, especially when the market price is lower than the MSP.

Boosting Self-Reliance in Pulses

The Indian government’s focus on self-reliance in pulses is evident in the approval for the procurement of toor, urad, and masoor under the 100% Price Support Scheme (PSS) for the 2024-25 procurement year. The extension of the scheme till 2028-29 further emphasizes the government's commitment to reducing dependency on imported pulses and increasing domestic production. This policy is aimed at encouraging farmers to grow more pulses, ensuring a sustainable supply and increasing India's production capacity.

Procurement of Other Crops under PM-AASHA

Besides pulses, the government is also supporting the procurement of oilseeds, chickpeas, and mustard. During Rabi Marketing Season (RMS) 2025, the government has approved the procurement of chana (chickpeas), sarson (mustard), and masoor (lentils) under the PM-AASHA scheme. The total approved quantity for these crops is substantial: 27.99 lakh metric tonnes for chana, 28.28 lakh metric tonnes for sarson, and 9.40 lakh metric tonnes for masoor. Major states for these crops include Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat, where large quantities are expected to be procured.

Extension of Procurement Period for Karnataka

In a significant move, the government has also approved the extension of the procurement period for toor in Karnataka by an additional 30 days, which will now run until May 1, 2025. This extension will help farmers in the state sell their produce at MSP, mitigating the challenges posed by market price fluctuations. As of March 25, 2025, a total of 2.46 lakh metric tonnes of toor have already been procured, benefiting 171,569 farmers across the states of Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Telangana.

Simplifying Registration Process for Farmers

In a bid to streamline the procurement process, the government has ensured that farmers can register for PM-AASHA on the NAFED and NCCF portals. These digital platforms will simplify the registration process, making it easier for farmers to access the benefits of MSP procurement. By leveraging technology, the government aims to reduce inefficiencies and enhance transparency in the procurement process.

Conclusion

The extension of the PM-AASHA scheme is a significant step toward securing the livelihoods of farmers in India. With the continued procurement of pulses and oilseeds at MSP, the government is ensuring that farmers are not exploited by fluctuating market prices. By promoting self-reliance in pulses and providing price support for crops like toor, chana, and sarson, the Indian government is empowering farmers and contributing to food security in the country. The use of NAFED and NCCF portals will further enhance the efficiency and transparency of the procurement process, making it easier for farmers to sell their produce at fair prices. The government’s proactive approach is expected to benefit millions of farmers, ensuring they receive fair compensation for their hard work.

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