Government approves continuation of PM-Asha Scheme, commits to purchasing 100% of Tur, Urad, and Lentil at MSP

The Government has approved the continuation of the Integrated Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-Asha) scheme, during the 15th Finance Commission cycle, until 2025-26.

To encourage farmers who contribute to increasing domestic pulse production and to reduce dependency on imports, the government has permitted the purchase of Tur, Lentil, and Urad for the 2024-25 procurement year. This will be done under the Price Support Scheme (PSS) and will cover 100% of the state's production.

Additionally, the government also announced in the 2025 Budget that, in order to achieve self-reliance in pulses in the country, the purchase of Tur (Arhar), Urad, and Lentils will continue for the next four years through Central Nodal Agencies, covering up to 100 per cent of the state’s production.

What is PPS?

Under the Price Support Scheme (PSS) of the PM-Asha, pulses, oilseeds, and copra are procured at MSP (Minimum Support Price) directly from pre-registered farmers through state-level agencies, under the prescribed Fair Average Quality (FAQ), by Central Nodal Agencies (CNA).

Purpose of PM-Asha Scheme

The PM-Asha scheme is implemented to bring more effectiveness to the procurement process, which will not only help farmers obtain a remunerative price for their produce but will also help control price volatility. By ensuring the availability of essential commodities at affordable prices, the scheme benefits both farmers and consumers.

Procurement Approval

Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, has approved the purchase of Tur (Arhar), Lentil, and Urad in total quantities of 13.22 LMT, 9.40 LMT, and 1.35 LMT, respectively, as per the official release. For the Kharif 2024-25 season, Chouhan has approved the purchase of 13.22 LMT of Tur (Arhar) under PSS from states including Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh.

Ongoing Procurement

Procurement has already begun in Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Telangana, with a total of 1.31 LMT of Tur (Arhar) purchased as of 11.03.2025, benefiting 89,219 farmers in these states.

Procurement will soon begin in other states as well. Tur is also being purchased through Nafed's E-Samriddhi Portal and NCCF's Joint Portal.

The Government of India is committed to ensuring 100% Tur procurement from farmers through Central Nodal Agencies, namely NAFED and NCCF.