Expectations from PM-ASHA Scheme

29-Mar-2025 11:24 AM

🌿 PM-ASHA Scheme Extended Till 2025-26: A Boon for Farmers?

📍 New Delhi, India – The Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-ASHA) scheme has been extended till 2025-26 to ensure procurement of pulses & oilseeds at MSP and provide relief to farmers.

🔹 Key Highlights of PM-ASHA Extension

✅ MSP Procurement for pulses (tur, gram, lentils) & oilseeds (soybean, mustard, groundnut) 🌾
✅ Nodal Agencies: NAFED & NCCF entrusted with procurement 📊
✅ Buffer Stock Buildup: Government allowed to purchase:

• 28 lakh tonnes of gram 🧆

• 9.40 lakh tonnes of lentils 🌱

🚜 Why is This Important?

📉 Market prices of many pulses & oilseeds fell below MSP, causing farmer distress.
🔹 Tur Procurement Boost: Last 2 years, high market rates kept tur out of govt procurement. But this time, increased procurement is expected!
🚜 MSP Support for Mustard: Falling prices led the government to start procurement for mustard too.

🛑 Key Challenges Ahead

⚠️ Will procurement agencies meet the targets? 🎯
⚠️ Will farmers be able to register & sell easily? 📑
⚠️ Can it stabilize the market & boost farmer incomes? 📈