PM-AASHA (Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan): Components and Facts
Last updated: 2026-11-13 · MockMentor
Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA) was launched on 12 September 2018 to make sure farmers actually get the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for their crops, especially pulses, oilseeds and copra. Since September 2024 it is an integrated umbrella scheme with four components.
In one line: the toolkit the Government uses to protect farm prices when market rates fall below MSP, through buying, paying the price gap, or holding buffer stocks.
At a glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Launched | 12 September 2018 |
| Ministry | Agriculture and Farmers Welfare |
| MSP formula | At least 1.5 times the cost of production (A2+FL), from Budget 2018 |
| Components | PSS, PDPS, PSF, MIS (plus a private procurement pilot) |
The components
| Component | How it works |
|---|---|
| Price Support Scheme (PSS) | NAFED and NCCF buy pulses, oilseeds and copra at MSP when market prices fall below it; capped at 25% of national production per season |
| Price Deficiency Payment Scheme (PDPS) | For oilseeds: the Centre pays farmers the gap between MSP and the market price, up to 15% of MSP, without buying the crop; covers 40% of a State's oilseed output |
| Price Stabilisation Fund (PSF) | Buffer stocks of tur, urad, chana, moong, masur and onion, released in lean seasons; also behind Bharat Dal, Bharat Atta and Bharat Rice |
| Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) | For perishable horticulture crops; covers 25% of production, with an option of direct price-gap payment |
A Private Procurement and Stockist Scheme for oilseeds is also allowed as a pilot.
MSP crops
The Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) recommends MSP for 22 mandated crops (7 cereals, 5 pulses, 7 oilseeds and 3 commercial crops), plus the Fair and Remunerative Price for sugarcane.
Facts to remember
- Procurement under PSS is done by NAFED and NCCF.
- PSF and MIS were brought under PM-AASHA in September 2024.
- Cereals are bought by FCI and State agencies, cotton by CCI and jute by JCI, outside PM-AASHA.
Possible exam questions
- Is a legal guarantee of MSP practical? Discuss with reference to PM-AASHA.
- Compare physical procurement with price deficiency payments as tools of price support.
Complete notes in our courses: the Super-Elite and Elite courses carry the full chapter with updates and practice MCQs. Compare the courses.
More in Agriculture schemes
- PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana
- Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses
- PM-KISAN
- PM Kisan Maan-Dhan
- PM Fasal Bima Yojana
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