PM-AASHA (Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay SanraksHan Abhiyan)

The Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM‑AASHA) (Prime Minister’s Farmer Income Protection Campaign) is a central‑government scheme in India launched in September 2018 by the Government of India. It was created to tackle a key problem in agriculture: many farmers were not getting fair or remunerative prices for their crops, especially when market prices fell below the official minimum support price (MSP). The policy need behind PM‑AASHA is to provide income security to farmers, reduce distress sales of their produce, and ensure that announced MSPs translate into real benefits. The scheme targets farmers who grow notified crops such as pulses, oilseeds and copra, and works through the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare together with state and central agencies. In plain terms: PM‑AASHA is about helping farmers get a fair deal for their produce, stabilising crop prices and strengthening agriculture in India.

Overview of the Scheme

The scheme was launched by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare of the Government of India in September 2018 as a central sector scheme. It is implemented through central and state‑level agencies to ensure that farmers receive fair and remunerative prices for their produce.

Implementing agencies and funding pattern

• The central nodal agencies such as National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED) and National Co‑operative Consumers’ Federation of India (NCCF) act in coordination with state‑level departments.
• It is fully funded by the Government of India (i.e., 100 % central funding) as a central sector scheme.
• A budgetary allocation of around ₹35,000 crore has been earmarked for the scheme up to the 2025‑26 cycle.

Coverage / components

• The scheme covers several official components:
  • Price Support Scheme (PSS) – physical procurement of notified crops at Minimum Support Price (MSP) when market prices fall.
  • Price Deficiency Payment Scheme (PDPS) – direct compensation to farmers for difference between MSP and market price for selected oilseeds.
  • Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) – targeted intervention for perishable agricultural/horticultural commodities when prices fall sharply.
  • Price Stabilisation Fund (PSF) – creation of buffer stocks of essential items to stabilise prices and protect consumers.

Current status

• The scheme is ongoing and has been extended through the 15th Finance Commission cycle up to 2025‑26.
• For example, for the 2024‑25 procurement year, the government allowed 100% procurement of certain pulses (Tur, Urad, Masur) under PSS.

Objectives 

The scheme’s purpose is to support farmers by ensuring they receive fair prices and reducing risks associated with market volatility.

• Ensure that farmers receive a remunerative price for their produce, especially pulses, oilseeds and copra.
• Strengthen procurement systems so that announced Minimum Support Prices (MSP) are effectively translated into actual benefit.
• Reduce distress‑sales by farmers when market prices fall below MSP or when excess supply causes sharp drops.
• Promote crop diversification towards pulses and oilseeds by making their cultivation more remunerative.
• Stabilise domestic agricultural markets and the availability of essential commodities while protecting farmers’ incomes.

These objectives help to show how PM‑AASHA aligns its goals with farmer income security, market stability and effective procurement under the agriculture scheme’s framework.

Key Features / Benefits 

• Guaranteed MSP procurement
  The government makes sure that nominated farmers selling notified pulses, oilseeds or copra get the announced Minimum Support Price (MSP) by purchasing their produce when market prices fall below. (Example: A farmer growing tur in a notified state can sell it at MSP through the scheme.)
• Direct payment of price difference
  Under the Price Deficiency Payment Scheme (PDPS), if the market price is lower than MSP, eligible farmers get a payment equal to the shortfall. (Example: Oilseed sellers may get up to 15% of MSP as difference payment.)
• Support for perishable commodities and buffer stocks
  Through the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) and the Price Stabilisation Fund (PSF), the scheme helps protect growers of volatile crops (like tomatoes, onions, potatoes) and maintains buffer stocks so consumers get stable prices too.
• Digital registration and transparency
  The scheme uses online portals (e.g., e‑Samriddhi / e‑Samyukti) so farmers can pre‑register, choose procurement centres and get payments directly to their bank account. This reduces dependence on intermediaries.
• Incentive for crop diversification
  By assuring remunerative prices for pulses, oilseeds and copra, the scheme encourages farmers to diversify away from traditional cereals and take up these crops with more stability.
• Consumer‑friendly price stability
  Besides benefiting farmers, the scheme also protects consumers from steep swings in food prices by timely release of buffer stocks and procurement operations when needed.

These features demonstrate how PM‑AASHA offers both support to farmers through assured income and benefits to the wider economy by stabilising markets and prices.

Eligibility Criteria 

Eligible persons and units must meet criteria set under the scheme so they can benefit from its procurement or compensation mechanisms. Below are the key eligibility criteria, organized by type of beneficiary, along with required documents and noted exclusions.

Farmers

• Registered farmers growing notified crops (pulses, oilseeds, copra) in a participating state/UT are eligible.
• They must sell produce that meets the Fair Average Quality (FAQ) norms and participate in the procurement or payment process.
• Mandatory documents include: Aadhaar or enrolment ID, bank passbook/account linked for Direct Benefit Transfer, crop/land record showing sowing and harvest. (Aadhaar authentication is required for farmers to receive support under PM‑AASHA.)

Self‑Help Groups (SHGs)

• If specified for certain procurement/market‑intervention operations, SHGs must be duly registered, be active, and have a linked bank account.
• They must follow the state/agency’s registration norms under the scheme.
  (Note: The core official guidelines do not explicitly list SHGs as a principal category for PM‑AASHA, so check the state implementation details.)

Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs)

• FPOs/Producer Companies must be registered entities, actively functioning, and accepted by the state/agency under the procurement or value‑chain arrangement.
• They must comply with the scheme contract or procurement norms.

Start‑ups / MSMEs / Entrepreneurs

• In general, the scheme focuses on procurement of farmer produce; official eligibility does not emphasise MSMEs or entrepreneurs for direct benefits under PM‑AASHA.
• Therefore, MSMEs/start‑ups are not eligible under the standard procurement/compensation components unless a specific state variant makes provision.

Special categories

• The scheme does not list separate eligibility criteria for women, SC/ST or NE/Hilly areas in its central guidelines. It applies uniformly across states.

Not Eligible

• Produce that does not meet FAQ (Fair Average Quality) standards is not eligible for procurement.
• Farmers or entities not registered or not pre‑registered in the designated portal (e.g., eSamridhi/eSamyukti) may be excluded from benefits. 

Application Process

1. Visit the official portal: https://www.india.gov.in/pradhan-mantri-annadata-aay-sanrakshan-abhiyan-pm-aasha.
2. Register / Login as a farmer by entering your Aadhaar, bank account linked details, and create your profile.
3. Fill the online application form:
   • Beneficiary details (name, Aadhaar, landholding)
   • Crop details and component selection (whether you wish to avail PSS/PDPS etc)
   • Bank account for payment
4. Upload documents: Aadhaar copy, land record/lease, bank pass‑book copy, crop harvest details, and any state‑specified form.
5. No application fee is generally required (official portal doesn’t list a fee).
6. On submission you’ll receive an acknowledgement / application ID on screen and via SMS/email.
7. The state agency or central nodal agency verifies your eligibility, may conduct field inspection (as per the scheme’s FAQ requirement that farmers are “pre‑registered” and have legitimate land record)
8. Once approved, benefit is released: either physical procurement at MSP or direct payment into your bank account under the scheme component you selected.
9. Offline route: You may also approach your nearest District Agriculture Office or Block Agriculture Office and fill a physical form, submit documents there, and ask for registration under the scheme.
10. Helpline: Contact the state agriculture department or central nodal agency (e.g., National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Limited (NAFED) through the details available on the portal for queries.

Tips:

• Ensure your name exactly matches across Aadhaar, bank account and land record.
• Upload clear, legible documents (especially land record and bank account proof) to avoid rejection.
• Register before harvest and pre‑register if required under the portal since procurement eligibility depends on “pre‑registered farmers”.
• Keep your bank account active; payments are made only to linked accounts.

Follow these steps carefully and you’ll complete the application process for PM‑AASHA smoothly.

Challenges or Limitations 

• Limited crop coverage: Only notified pulses, oilseeds and copra are officially covered.
  → What to do: If you grow other crops, check whether your state has added them under the scheme or explore other programmes.
• Infrastructure bottlenecks: Delays in procurement, inadequate storage/transport in many areas.
  → What to do: Deliver your produce early to the nearest centre and keep records of drop‐off to avoid missing the support window.
• Registration/awareness gaps: Many farmers miss pre‐registration or don’t know about portal steps.
  → What to do: Register ahead of harvest, ask your local agriculture office for help and note deadlines.
• Delays in payment or documentation verification: Field checks or document mismatches can slow benefit release.
  → What to do: Ensure your land records, bank data and Aadhaar are consistent and updated well before applying.
• Budget or state‐uptake variation: Some states go slower or choose fewer components like PDPS, limiting benefit access.
  → What to do: Check with your state agriculture department which component is active locally and plan accordingly.

While PM‑AASHA offers real benefits, knowing these limitations and preparing in advance can help you make the most of the scheme.

Government Support & Future Outlook 

The scheme works in convergence with other major programmes to strengthen farmer support and market stability.

• It complements Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) by reducing market‑price risk, while PMFBY covers crop‑loss risk.
• It links with Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM‑KISAN) where fixed income support is provided and PM‑AASHA adds price‑assurance for harvests.
• It aligns with digital market infrastructure via eNAM (the online national agriculture market platform) so farmers can sell through better channels.
• Going forward, the scheme has been extended up to the 2025‑26 cycle with an outlay of ₹35,000 crore under the 15th Finance Commission.

Practical example: A farmer grows oilseeds → applies under PM‑AASHA for price support if market price falls → also enrolled under PMFBY so if crop fails they are covered for loss. Together, they reduce dual risks of yield and price.

Conclusion 

The Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM‑AASHA) plays a vital role in protecting farmers’ incomes by ensuring they receive fair prices for notified crops like pulses, oilseeds, and copra. Small and marginal farmers benefit most through procurement at MSP or direct price‑deficiency payments. To take advantage, check your eligibility on the official PM‑AASHA portal, prepare all required documents, and consider consulting your local agriculture office for guidance. Always verify the latest rules and timelines on the official portal or helpline before applying. Explore detailed resources on this scheme and the full suite of programmes at ALL ABOUT AGRICULTURE. For one-on-one assistance, call us at +91 8484002628.