PM Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA)

The PM AASHA scheme was launched in 2018 by the Indian government to financially uplift the farmers of India. It is a combination of procurement-based pricing and the price-deficiency-based approaches that help the farmers with variations in the market prices.

PM AASHA Scheme Details

The main focus of the PM AASHA scheme covers pulses, the oilseeds and copra crops, where the pricing tends to fluctuate. The participation of the farmers is dependent on the applicable components, such as Price Support Scheme (PSS), Price Deficiency Payment Scheme (PDPS), Market Intervention Scheme (MIS), and Private Procurement & Stockist Scheme (PPSS). The implementation of this scheme is done through central nodal agencies (NAFED, FCI, NCCF), state governments and even specific procurement bodies to support the farmers in all parts of the country.

In February 2025, the Union Cabinet approved the continuation of the integrated PM-AASHA scheme through the 15th Finance Commission Cycle, up to 2025-26, with a total financial outlay of Rs. 35,000 crore. As part of this, the government converged the Price Support Scheme (PSS) and the Price Stabilisation Fund (PSF) under PM-AASHA to serve farmers and consumers more efficiently.

Benefits of PM AASHA Scheme

There are many government life insurance schemes for the citizens’ welfare. But that’s not often enough. That’s why there are specific schemes like the PM AASHA. Stated below are the benefits of the PM Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan that are usually provided to the farmers:

• Guaranteed MSP (Minimum Support Price) for notified crops

• Assured protection to farmers from market volatility

• Special procurement of Tur, Urad, and Masur under PSS

• Transportation and storage costs coverage for NAFED/NCCF under special interventions

• The scheme is aimed at reducing stress to the farmers during the low sales periods in the markets

Eligibility Criteria of AASHA Scheme

Given below are the policies and the eligibility criteria for the scheme:

The farmers are required to meet the eligibility criteria defined by the Ministry of Agriculture and the respective state authorities. The implementation of the scheme relies on the state government’s choice in participation and procurement arrangements.

How To Apply to the AASHA Scheme?

The PM Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan is designed to function through the procurement and price support mechanism instead of a national application process, which means the state government decides on participation. Here is a generic application process:

• The farmers can visit the NAFED e-Samridhi or state-specific agriculture portal.

• The crops that are eligible for the scheme are transported to the procurement centres or sold through the approved platforms.

• The crops are purchased at MSP under the Price Support Scheme or the PSS, whichever is applicable.

• Under the Price Deficiency Payment Scheme or the PDPS, the farmers receive payment of the price difference that is based on the notified guidelines.

• Payments are processed through government-approved systems and transferred as per applicable procedures.

Documents Required for PM AASHA Scheme

To apply for the PM AASHA (Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan) scheme, farmers must provide proof of identity, land cultivation, and bank details for Direct Benefit Transfer. Essential documents typically include:

• Aadhaar Card

• Valid Land Records for proof of cultivation and ownership

• Bank Account Details: Passbook or cancelled check clearly showing the IFSC code and account number for the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

• Crop/Sowing Certificate: A certificate from the local agriculture or revenue department detailing the crops sown.

• Mandi/Sales Transaction Proof: If you are claiming under the Price Deficiency Payment Scheme (PDPS), you must provide sale receipts or transaction records from registered mandis.

Summing Up

PM AASHA full form is PM Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan. The scheme provides price support to the farmers by creating strong procurement and providing mechanisms that are aligned with the Minimum Support Price for specific crops. The scheme, often called PM AASHA India, is a coordinated effort between central and state agencies and portals to support the farmers and state agencies to support the farmers that produce and distribute pulses, oilseeds, and copra, and is a part of the wider efforts designed to make farmers’ lives easier.

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