Content:

1. Empowering Farmers Through PM-AASHA
2. PARLIAMENT QUESTION: MISSION MAUSAM

Empowering Farmers Through PM-AASHA

• Launched in September 2018 under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare.

• Objective: Ensure remunerative prices for farmers, reduce post-harvest distress, and promote crop diversification towards pulses and oilseeds.

Relevance : GS 3 (Agriculture )

Components:

• Price Support Scheme (PSS): Direct procurement of pulses, oilseeds, and copra.

• Price Deficiency Payment Scheme (PDPS): Price difference paid directly to farmers for oilseeds.

• Market Intervention Scheme (MIS): Addresses price volatility in perishable crops like Tomato, Onion, and Potato (TOP).

Rabi 2023-24 Procurement:

• Pulses:6.41 LMT procured at MSP value of ₹4,820 crore, benefiting 2.75 lakh farmers.
  • Breakdown: Masoor (2.49 LMT), Chana (43,000 MT), Moong (3.48 LMT).

• Oilseeds: 12.19 LMT procured at MSP value of ₹6,900 crore, benefiting 5.29 lakh farmers.

Kharif 2024-25 Highlights:

• Soybean prices fell below MSP; 5.62 LMT procured under PSS for ₹2,700 crore, benefiting 2.42 lakh farmers—the highest-ever soybean procurement.

Long-Term Impact:

• Since 2018-19, 195.39 LMT of pulses, oilseeds, and copra procured at MSP value of ₹1,07,433.73 crore, benefiting 99.30 lakh farmers.

Scheme Details:

• Price Support Scheme (PSS):States can procure up to 25% of their production under MSP. Additional procurement capped at 25% of national production.

• Procurement ceiling lifted for Tur, Urad, and Masoor in 2024-25 for achieving self-sufficiency.

• Price Deficiency Payment Scheme (PDPS):Farmers compensated for price difference up to 15% of MSP value.

• Applies to pre-registered farmers selling up to 40% of production in designated markets.

• Market Intervention Scheme (MIS):For perishable crops like TOP (Tomato, Onion, Potato).

• Price stabilization through payments for price differences or transportation cost reimbursements.

Benefits of PM-AASHA:

• Economic Empowerment:Direct income support reduces post-harvest losses and enhances livelihoods.
• Rural economic growth through better price realization for small and marginal farmers.

• Price Stability:Counteracts price volatility and intermediaries’ exploitation.

• Balances supply-demand disparities between producing and consuming states.

Government’s Commitment:

• Collaboration with state governments and nodal agencies (NAFED, NCCF) for effective implementation.

• Focus on self-reliance in pulses and addressing price disparities in perishable crops.

Parliament Question : Mission MAUSAM

Mission Mausam is a multi-faceted initiative aimed at strengthening India’s weather and climate sciences to tackle climate change and extreme weather challenges. Approved by the Union Cabinet, it is funded with an outlay of INR 2,000 crore for two years (2024–2026).

Relevance : GS 2(Schemes) , GS 3( Environment )

Objectives

Boosting Observational Infrastructure:

• Deployment of next-generation Doppler Weather Radars (DWRs), radiometers, and wind profilers.

• Enhanced monitoring using advanced sensors for upper atmosphere and oceanic observations.

Technological Integration:

• Incorporate Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and high-performance computing (HPC).

• GIS-based automated Decision Support Systems for real-time data dissemination.

Improved Forecasting:

• Higher-resolution Earth System Models.

• Accurate prediction of cyclones, monsoons, extreme weather events, and air quality.

Disaster Risk Reduction:

• Impact-based strategies with multi-hazard early warning systems.

• Seasonal forecasting for better disaster preparedness.

Capacity Building:

• Training Earth Sciences professionals.

• Generating public awareness on climate-related risks.

Key Implementing Agencies

• India Meteorological Department (IMD): Weather observation and forecasting.

• Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM): Research in atmospheric sciences.

• National Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF): Advanced numerical weather prediction.

• Supported by other institutions and collaborations with national and international agencies, academia, and industries.

Sectoral Benefits

• Agriculture: Enhanced monsoon and drought predictions.

• Disaster Management: Real-time alerts to reduce loss of life and property.

• Transport & Aviation: Safer air, sea, and road navigation.

• Health & Urban Planning: Improved air quality management and urban resilience.

• Energy & Infrastructure: Data-driven planning for sustainable development.

Strategic Importance

• Tackling Climate Change: Address chaotic weather patterns like localized droughts and flash floods.

• Enhanced Resilience: Improve disaster preparedness and societal adaptation.

• Global Leadership: Strengthen India’s role in providing weather and climate services regionally and globally.

Conclusion

Mission Mausam represents a landmark step in building a weather-ready and climate-smart Bharat.