The Union Agriculture Ministry recently announced the procurement of 20 lakh metric tonnes of potatoes under the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) to protect farmers from distress sales. This topic is important for aspirants preparing through IAS coaching in Hyderabad, UPSC coaching in Hyderabad, and UPSC online coaching.
About the Scheme
• Part of: Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM AASHA).
• Nature: A price support mechanism for perishable crops (like tomato, onion, potato) that do not have a fixed Minimum Support Price (MSP).
• Implemented by: Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
• Trigger: Activated when market prices fall sharply due to bumper harvests.
Such agriculture-related schemes are frequently covered in Hyderabad IAS coaching and civils coaching in Hyderabad.
Objectives
• Prevent distress sales by farmers during peak arrival seasons.
• Ensure prices do not fall below economic levels or cost of production.
• Provide a safety net for growers of perishable commodities.
This topic is highly relevant for GS3 Economy and is widely discussed in IAS coaching.
Pattern of Assistance
• Losses shared between Centre and States:
• 50:50 basis for general states.
• 75:25 basis for North Eastern states.
Conditions for Implementation
• Market price must fall by at least 10% compared to the previous normal year.
• Procurement/coverage limited to 25% of total production of the crop.
Significance
• Supports farmers in times of price crashes.
• Strengthens food security and rural incomes.
• Complements MSP by covering crops outside its ambit.
Such economy-related interventions are crucial for aspirants preparing through UPSC coaching in Hyderabad.
Conclusion
The Market Intervention Scheme is a crucial policy tool to stabilize farm incomes in case of bumper harvests of perishable crops. By sharing costs between Centre and States, it ensures both economic protection for farmers and market stability. For students enrolled in UPSC online coaching and IAS coaching in Hyderabad, this topic is important for GS3 preparation.
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