Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay SanraksHan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA) Scheme

Current Context: The Union Cabinet has approved the continuation of the Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay SanraksHan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA) schemes.

• This initiative aims to provide remunerative prices to farmers and control the price volatility of essential commodities for consumers.
• The government has allocated ₹35,000 crore for this scheme during the 15th Finance Commission Cycle up to 2025-26.
• The scheme includes components like the Price Support Scheme (PSS), Price Stabilization Fund (PSF), Price Deficit Payment Scheme (PDPS), and Market Intervention Scheme (MIS).
• Starting from the 2024-25 season, the procurement of specified pulses, oilseeds, and copra at minimum support prices (MSP) will be limited to 25% of the national production of these crops.
• However, for Tur, Urad, and Masur, there will be 100% procurement during the 2024-25 season.

Question:

1 How much has the government allocated for the PM-AASHA scheme during the 15th Finance Commission Cycle up to 2025-26?

• A) ₹20,000 crore
• B) ₹25,000 crore
• C) ₹30,000 crore
• D) ₹35,000 crore

Answer: D) The Union Cabinet has approved an allocation of ₹35,000 crore for the continuation of the Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay SanraksHan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA) scheme up to 2025-26.