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Source- This post on Rapa Nui is based on the article “Rapa Nui genomes restore the real history of an old, troubled people” published in The Hindu on 18th September 2024.
Why in News?
The government has approved the extension of the PM-AASHA scheme, allocating ₹35,000 crore to ensure farmers receive better prices for their produce and to manage price fluctuations of essential commodities for consumers.
About Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay SanraksHan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA)
| Aspects | Description |
| About | 1. The Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay SanraksHan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA) is an umbrella scheme introduced by the Government of India. 2. The scheme was launched as part of the government’s efforts to double farmers’ income and protect them from market fluctuations. 3. It seeks to address price volatility in the agricultural sector and ensure farmers are fairly compensated for their crops. |
| Aim | To ensure that farmers receive the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for their produce |
| Objective | To ensure that farmers are safeguarded against any sharp fall in farm prices. By providing a secure MSP system, it enhances the confidence of farmers to invest in quality inputs and maintain productivity, which is crucial for national food security. |
| Components of PM-AASHA | 1. Price Support Scheme (PSS): This scheme involves the government procuring pulses, oilseeds, and copra at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) to ensure that farmers receive fair compensation for their produce. 2. Price Deficiency Payment Scheme (PDPS): Under this scheme, farmers are compensated for the difference between the MSP and the actual market price when the latter falls below the MSP, ensuring they don’t incur losses. 3. Market Intervention Scheme (MIS): This scheme aims to protect farmers from distress sales during times of surplus production and declining market prices. 4. Price Stabilization Fund (PSF): The fund is used to maintain buffer stocks of essential commodities like pulses and onions, helping stabilize prices and ensuring their availability at affordable rates. 5. Pilot of Private Procurement and Stockist Scheme (PPSS): This is an experimental scheme rolled out on a pilot basis for oilseeds. It involves the participation of private players in procuring the crops at MSP. |
| Operational Framework | 1. States and Union Territories (UTs) have the option to choose either the PSS or PDPS for oilseeds in a particular procurement season. Only one scheme can be made operational for a specific commodity in a state. 2. States can roll out the PPSS on a pilot basis for oilseeds, with private stockists playing a key role in the procurement process. 3. Pulses and copra are procured under the PSS, while oilseeds can be covered under either PSS or PDPS, depending on the state’s choice. |
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