Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA) Overview
PM-AASHA is the Government of India's flagship price-support framework launched in September 2018 to ensure remunerative prices for farmers while maintaining price stability for consumers. The scheme brings together multiple price support mechanisms under a unified framework, with procurement arrangements beginning before each marketing season through central nodal agencies and state governments.
Scheme Components and Financial Allocation
The scheme consists of four key components: Price Support Scheme (PSS) for procurement of pulses, oilseeds, and copra at MSP when market prices fall below MSP; Price Stabilization Fund (PSF) to maintain buffer stocks of essential commodities; Price Deficiency Payment Scheme (PDPS) that pays farmers the difference between MSP and market price directly to bank accounts; and Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) for perishable commodities without MSP coverage.
The budget allocation has steadily increased from ₹5,437.99 crore actual expenditure in 2024–25 to ₹6,941.36 crore in 2025–26, and further to ₹7,200.00 crore for 2026–27.
Procurement Limits and Crop Economics
Under PSS, procurement of pulses, oilseeds, and copra is initially allowed up to 25% of a State/UT's production, with additional procurement approved up to 25% of national production. However, procurement of Tur, Urad, and Masur is permitted up to 100% of State production to boost domestic pulse output and reduce imports.
The scheme ensures significant margins over production costs: in 2026–27, paddy (common) has a production cost of ₹1,627 per quintal versus MSP of ₹2,441 (₹814 margin); soybean (yellow) costs ₹3,805 versus MSP of ₹5,708 (₹1,903 margin); wheat costs ₹1,239 versus MSP of ₹2,585 (₹1,346 margin); and jute costs ₹3,662 versus MSP of ₹5,925 (₹2,293 margin).
Digital Infrastructure and Implementation
Digital reforms include Aadhaar-enabled authentication, e-NAM integration of 1,656 mandis across 23 States and 4 Union Territories facilitating trade worth ₹4,94,847 crore, and registration of 4,776 FPOs on e-NAM. The Agriculture Infrastructure Fund has sanctioned loans worth ₹96,426 crore for 2,14,437 projects, mobilizing investments exceeding ₹1,66,179 lakh crore.
State-Level Procurement Data
In Bihar, organized procurement of masoor (lentil) has been initiated for the first time through NCCF using 48 PACS and FPOs. As of 10th August 2026, NCCF procured 1,042.65 MT of masoor registering 358 farmers, while NAFED procured 1,814.13 MT registering 495 farmers.
In Chhattisgarh, procurement through 200 operational PACS and 12 FPOs shows NCCF procuring 18,392.228 MT of chana, 22.231 MT of masoor, and 1,035.0205 MT of mustard, registering 21,721 farmers. NAFED procured 17,020.65 MT of chana and 355.05 MT of masoor, registering 46,146 farmers.