The Centre has approved the continuation of the Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA) scheme through the 15th Finance Commission cycle, extending its implementation until 2025-26. The scheme aims to enhance procurement operations, ensuring fair prices for farmers while stabilizing essential commodity prices for consumers.
Under the Price Support Scheme (PSS) component of PM-AASHA, the government procures notified pulses, oilseeds, and copra that meet Fair Average Quality (FAQ) standards. Central Nodal Agencies (CNAs) conduct the procurement at the Minimum Support Price (MSP), working with state-level agencies to purchase directly from pre-registered farmers.
To boost domestic production and reduce import dependence, the government has allowed 100% procurement of Tur (Arhar), Urad, and Masur under PSS for the 2024-25 procurement year. In the Budget 2025, the government announced that this procurement measure would continue for another four years to achieve self-sufficiency in pulses.
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has approved the procurement of Tur (Arhar) in Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh for the Kharif 2024-25 season. The approved procurement quantity stands at 13.22 lakh metric tonnes (LMT).
Procurement has already commenced in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Telangana, with 0.15 LMT of Tur (Arhar) procured as of February 15, benefiting 12,006 farmers. The process will soon begin in other states. The Government of India has assured that 100% of Tur production will be procured through NAFED and NCCF, supporting farmers and strengthening domestic supply chains.
