Center extends PM-ASHA scheme till 2025-26
New Delhi| Pradhan Mantri Annadata Anna Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-ASHA) schemes have been allowed to continue till FY 2025-26 by the central government with the aim of giving fair prices to farmers for their crops and controlling fluctuations in prices of essential commodities. About Rs 35,000 crore will be spent under this scheme. PM-ASHA is an umbrella scheme. At present it covers Price Support Scheme and Price Stabilization Fund Scheme.
According to the information given by the government, now apart from Price Support Scheme and Price Stabilization Fund Scheme, Price Deficit Payment Scheme and Market Intervention Scheme will also be covered in PM-ASHA Scheme. Under the price support scheme, 25 per cent of oilseeds and copra national production will be procured in 2024-25. This limit will not apply to lentils and pigeon pea. 100 per cent of these crops will be procured.
The purchase of notified pulses, copra and oilseeds from the government has been increased to Rs 45,000 crore. This will increase the purchase of pulses, oilseeds and copra. Along with this, farmers will be encouraged to increase the production of these crops. With this the country will be able to move towards self-reliance in these crops.
The Price Stabilization Fund Scheme will help customers prevent sudden fluctuations in the prices of agro-horticultural commodities. This scheme will help in maintaining buffer stock of pulses and onion. Apart from this, the Central Government has increased the coverage of the Price Deficit Payment Scheme to 40 per cent. In addition, coverage under MIS has been increased to 25 per cent.
