Price Support Scheme (PSS) Context: The Central Government has recently approved the large-scale procurement of pulses and oilseeds under the PSS. About the Price Support Scheme (PSS) PSS – A Central Government agricultural procurement scheme. Operates under the Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA) scheme. Nodal Ministry – Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. When initiated – Only when the market price of produce meeting Fair Average Quality (FAQ) standards falls below the announced Minimum Support Price (MSP). Beneficiaries and Eligibility Farmers must register in advance on portals approved by the State Government, providing valid land records. Produce must meet FAQ criteria. All payments will be made directly to the farmer's registered bank account. Procurement operations continue until market prices stabilize above the MSP or for a period of 90 days (whichever is earlier). Objectives To protect farmers from economic losses during market slumps and to make essential commodities available to consumers at affordable prices. Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) Context: The 23rd installment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme was recently released. About PM-KISAN Launched by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare on 24 February 2019 A Central Sector Scheme Provides ₹6,000 annually to eligible farming families in three installments of ₹2,000 each via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) Objective To supplement farmers' income for agricultural needs and daily expenses, and to reduce reliance on informal credit Eligibility Covers all land-holding farming families (husband, wife, and minor children) Selection based on State/Union Territory land records Aadhaar-linked bank account and e-KYC are mandatory Key Features Direct Benefit Transfer to Aadhaar-linked accounts ensures transparency Beneficiary lists displayed in villages for public awareness Annual physical verification of 5% of beneficiaries Online grievance redressal system Technology Used e-KYC via OTP, biometrics, and facial recognition PM-KISAN mobile app…
