PM-AASHA Scheme 2026: Objectives, MSP Benefits, Components and Latest Updates

Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA) is an initiative of the central government that aims to generate profits for farmers and improve the agricultural pricing mechanism. It is expected that ₹7,200 crores would be spent under PM-AASHA in 2026-27.

Price Support Scheme (PSS) allows the government to procure notified pulses, oilseeds, and copra at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) if the market price falls below the MSP announced by the government.

What is the PM-AASHA Scheme?

PM-AASHA means Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan. Launched in September 2018, this scheme is the umbrella scheme for ensuring price support to farmers on their agriculture produce.

It seeks to cover the gap between the announcement of MSP and its actual implementation in the market. In case the market prices fall below the level of MSP, there are various measures that can be undertaken under the PM-AASHA depending on the commodity and market conditions.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare is the nodal ministry for this initiative.

Latest Developments on PM-AASHA Scheme 2026

Recently, there have been many updates regarding PM-AASHA Scheme due to many reasons, but one of the main reasons is the allocation of ₹7,200 crores for FY 2026–27 by the government for the strengthening of price support interventions and procurement mechanisms for the eligible agricultural commodities.

There has been a lot of emphasis on the use of technology in agricultural procurement procedures by the government. Aadhaar registration, electronic portals can help in enhancing the process of procurement through the increase in transparency in the farmer identification and payments process.

Another important policy decision has been taken in the favour of pulses where the government has improved its procurement procedure in order to enhance the production domestically and limit the imports, especially Tur, Urad and Masur.

Objectives of PM-AASHA

The primary objective of the scheme is to ensure that the farmers are protected when the market prices are below the remunerative level. The scheme tries to protect against any distress sales particularly during the times of excess production and maximum arrivals.

Another important objective is that of developing the procurement infrastructure and improving the functioning of the MSP based schemes. Through the procurement, price deficiency payment and market intervention, the government can have different methods for different agricultural conditions.

Another objective is to bring the benefit of both producers and consumers. Efficient and stable agricultural markets can be helpful for increasing the income of the farmers while reducing the extremely volatile prices.

Components of PM-AASHA Scheme

The scheme works on three major components which include the Price Support Scheme (PSS), Price Deficiency Payment Scheme (PDPS) and Market Intervention Scheme (MIS).

Price Support Scheme (PSS)

• The Price Support Scheme involves the procurement of eligible agriculture products at the MSP when the market prices fall below the support prices from the registered farmers under the PSS.
• The nodal agencies like NAFED and NCCF along with some others at the state level act as important players in the procurement process.
• PSS works on the notified pulses, oilseeds and copra.

Price Deficiency Payment Scheme (PDPS)

• Price Deficiency Payment Scheme works on an entirely different principle. Here, instead of procuring the produce, the government makes payment for the gap between the MSP and the market price that qualifies as per the prescribed conditions of the scheme.
• Such a procedure proves to be especially beneficial in cases where direct procurement on a wide-scale becomes hard. The farmer may sell his produce in the market and will get support for its price in the form of payments.

Market Intervention Scheme (MIS)

• Market Intervention Scheme is for selected perishable agricultural and horticultural commodities which do not usually get procured under MSP.
• It is useful when there is a significant decline in the price level due to excess production. Produce such as tomatoes, onions, and potatoes may need interventions due to excess supplies leading to price declines.
• The scheme operates through coordination and cost-sharing between the Central and State Governments.

What Are the MSP Benefits Under PM-AASHA?

The biggest benefit of PM-AASHA is that farmers get protected from extreme market-price falls. It aims to prevent farmers from selling their produce at extremely low market prices by procuring or through other means of price support.

Digital processes and DBT schemes can assist in making payments and minimizing the involvement of middlemen. Authorized farmers would be able to receive their entitlements into their bank accounts through direct benefit transfer schemes.

PM-AASHA further bolsters confidence in the MSP system with the provision of interventions in cases of extreme declines in market prices.