PM-AASHA Scheme: PSS, PDPS and PPSS Explained for MSP
Why in the news
PM-AASHA, the government’s price-assurance umbrella for farmers, came under review as an explainer, covering its three schemes, benefits and problems.
Key facts
- Full name: Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay SanraksHan Abhiyan, launched September 2018.
- Central sector scheme of the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare.
- Aims to give remunerative prices, avoid distress sales and support the goal of doubling farmers’ income by 2022.
- Covers mainly pulses, oilseeds and copra.
Three components
| Component | How it works |
|---|---|
| Price Support Scheme (PSS) | Agencies physically buy pulses, oilseeds and copra at MSP; NAFED and FCI are nodal agencies |
| Price Deficiency Payment Scheme (PDPS) | For oilseeds; the gap between MSP and selling price is paid to registered farmers’ bank accounts, with no physical procurement |
| Private Procurement & Stockist Scheme (PPSS) | Approved private agencies buy oilseeds at MSP and receive a service charge and financial help |
Benefits
- Income security and fewer distress sales.
- Encourages oilseed and pulse growing, cutting import dependence.
- Direct bank payments improve transparency and sideline middlemen; private players help develop markets.
Concerns
- Low farmer awareness and uneven procurement efficiency across regions.
- Storage and warehousing gaps, budget and payment timing, and PDPS registration difficulties.
Way forward
- Mobile apps and online portals for registration and tracking.
- More procurement centres in remote areas, plus awareness workshops.
Exam angle
- Launch year: 2018; ministry: Agriculture & Farmers Welfare.
- Scheme needing no physical procurement: PDPS.
- Crops: pulses, oilseeds, copra.