Agriculture ยท GS3
Price Support Scheme procurement for pulses and oilseeds
One line
The Centre approved large-scale procurement of pulses and oilseeds at MSP under the Price Support Scheme in four states.
Summary
Procurement can protect farmers when market prices fall below MSP, but it also needs storage, timely payment, quality testing, and disposal plans. Uneven reach remains the main constraint.
PYQ pattern
UPSC often turns this issue into statement-based questions on institutions, mechanisms, and policy limits. Use the official UPSC question-paper archive.
Core notes
- The Price Support Scheme is a component of PM-AASHA.
- Designated agencies procure notified pulses, oilseeds, and copra at MSP when specified conditions are met.
- MSP announcement and actual procurement are separate policy stages.
- Procurement can support diversification only when markets, processing, storage, and consumer policy are aligned.
Prelims lens
- PM-AASHA is linked to remunerative-price support for farmers.
- PSS is not the same as universal procurement of every crop.
- NAFED and NCCF can act as central procurement agencies for eligible commodities.
MCQ 1
Consider the following statements:
- PM-AASHA is linked to remunerative-price support for farmers.
- An MSP announcement guarantees that every unit of every crop will be purchased by the government.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A. 1 only
- B. 2 only
- C. Both 1 and 2
- D. Neither 1 nor 2
Reveal answerHide answer
A
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect: an MSP announcement guarantees that every unit of every crop will be purchased by the government is not a valid conclusion.
MCQ 2
The Price Support Scheme is associated with:
- A. PM-AASHA
- B. PM-JAY
- C. AMRUT
- D. UDAN
Reveal answerHide answer
A
PSS is one of the price-support mechanisms grouped under PM-AASHA.
Mains
Question, 10 marks, 150 words: Assess the strengths and limits of MSP procurement for pulses and oilseeds.
Approach:
- Explain price support and trigger conditions.
- Discuss diversification and import dependence.
- Identify storage, payment, and regional gaps.
- Suggest decentralised procurement and processing links.