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PM-AASHA: Empowering Farmers Through Price Support

A Comprehensive Overview of PM-AASHA and Its Impact

PM-AASHA: Empowering Farmers Through Price Support

  • 11 Jan, 2024
  • 308

What is PM-AASHA?

PM-AASHA is a significant initiative launched by the Indian government aimed at supporting farmers. This program ensures that farmers receive fair prices for their produce, particularly focusing on pulses, oilseeds, and copra through a variety of price support mechanisms.

Components of PM-AASHA

The PM-AASHA scheme comprises several key components designed to stabilize agricultural pricing:

  • Price Support Scheme (PSS): This allows the government to directly purchase crops from farmers at a Minimum Support Price (MSP), safeguarding their income.
  • Price Stabilisation Fund: This fund helps to manage the prices of agricultural products, mitigating extreme price fluctuations.
  • Price Deficiency Payment System: This system compensates farmers when market prices drop below MSP, ensuring they do not incur losses.

Benefits of PM-AASHA for Farmers

PM-AASHA plays a crucial role in protecting farmers from market price volatility. By guaranteeing a Minimum Support Price (MSP), it provides financial security, allowing farmers to plan their production without the fear of unpredictable market conditions.

Understanding the Price Support Scheme (PSS)

The Price Support Scheme (PSS) is integral to PM-AASHA. It empowers the government to buy pulses, oilseeds, and copra directly from farmers at the MSP, ensuring they receive a fair return for their efforts.

Role of the Price Stabilisation Fund

The Price Stabilisation Fund plays a vital role in regulating the prices of agricultural produce. By mitigating severe price volatility, it benefits both farmers and consumers, promoting a balanced agricultural economy.

How the Price Deficiency Payment System Functions

This system is essential for providing financial relief to farmers when market prices fall below the MSP. It compensates the difference, ensuring that farmers are not adversely affected by sudden market changes.

Budget Allocation for PM-AASHA

For the fiscal year 2023-24, the Indian government has allocated ₹28,100 crores to the PM-AASHA scheme. This significant budget demonstrates the government's commitment to supporting agricultural stability and farmer welfare.

Addressing Market Uncertainties

PM-AASHA effectively addresses market uncertainties by ensuring MSP and providing a safety net through the Price Stabilisation Fund. This initiative significantly reduces the risks faced by farmers, fostering a more secure agricultural environment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the primary goal of PM-AASHA?
Answer: The primary goal of PM-AASHA is to ensure that farmers receive fair prices for their crops, particularly pulses, oilseeds, and copra, through various price support mechanisms.

Q2. How does the Price Support Scheme (PSS) benefit farmers?
Answer: The PSS benefits farmers by allowing the government to purchase their crops directly at the Minimum Support Price (MSP), ensuring they receive a stable income regardless of market fluctuations.

Q3. What is the role of the Price Stabilisation Fund in PM-AASHA?
Answer: The Price Stabilisation Fund helps regulate agricultural prices by reducing extreme volatility, benefiting both farmers and consumers through more stable market conditions.

Q4. How does the Price Deficiency Payment System work?
Answer: This system compensates farmers for any difference between the market price and the MSP when market prices fall below the MSP, protecting their earnings.

Q5. What is the budget for PM-AASHA in 2023-24?
Answer: The government has allocated ₹28,100 crores for the PM-AASHA scheme in the fiscal year 2023-24, reflecting its commitment to supporting farmers.

UPSC Practice MCQs

Question 1: What does PM-AASHA primarily aim to achieve?
A) Support agricultural exports
B) Ensure fair prices for farmers' crops
C) Increase agricultural production
D) Promote organic farming
Correct Answer: B

Question 2: Which component of PM-AASHA allows direct purchase of crops?
A) Price Deficiency Payment System
B) Price Support Scheme (PSS)
C) Price Stabilisation Fund
D) Crop Insurance Scheme
Correct Answer: B

Question 3: What is the primary function of the Price Stabilisation Fund?
A) To provide loans to farmers
B) To regulate agricultural produce prices
C) To promote export of crops
D) To implement organic farming practices
Correct Answer: B

Question 4: How does the Price Deficiency Payment System protect farmers?
A) By providing loans
B) By compensating for price drops below MSP
C) By promoting crop insurance
D) By offering subsidies for fertilizers
Correct Answer: B

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