New Delhi: The Indian government’s efforts to support farmers are yielding positive results, with the recent procurement of 6.41 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of pulses during the Rabi 2023-24 season benefiting 2.75 lakh farmers, a PIb release noted. This initiative, part of the Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay SanraksHan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA), has provided farmers with Rs 4,820 crore in Minimum Support Price (MSP) value.
The program, launched in September 2018, aims to ensure price stability for pulses, oilseeds, and copra, thereby encouraging crop diversification and boosting production. The government procures these commodities at pre-determined MSPs, which are set at 1.5 times the Cost of Production, the press release stated.
During the ongoing Kharif season, the government has also procured 5.62 LMT of soybean, valued at Rs 2,700 crore, benefiting 2,42,461 farmers. This intervention was crucial as market prices for soybeans had fallen below MSP levels, causing distress among farmers.
Since its inception, PM-AASHA has procured approximately 195.39 LMT of pulses, oilseeds, and copra, providing Rs 1,07,433.73 crore to 99,30,576 farmers. According to to the release, the scheme’s impact is particularly significant for small and marginal farmers, who are often the most vulnerable to market fluctuations.