The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution has made Aadhaar authentication mandatory for farmers availing benefits under the Price Stabilisation Fund (PSF) Scheme, implemented by NAFED and NCCF.
According to the Gazette notification issued on October 17, 2025, the move aims to promote transparency, prevent duplication, and ensure seamless transfer of benefits to genuine farmers selling their produce under the PSF operations.
Both National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED) and National Cooperative Consumers’ Federation of India (NCCF), which carry out procurement activities under the scheme, have been directed to verify the identity of all beneficiaries through Aadhaar. Those who do not yet possess an Aadhaar number must apply for enrolment, and the agencies will facilitate this process by coordinating with UIDAI or setting up enrolment centres at convenient locations.
Till Aadhaar is issued, beneficiaries can establish identity using valid documents such as a voter ID, passport, ration card, or driving licence along with Aadhaar enrolment acknowledgment (EID). In cases where biometric authentication fails, agencies may use offline verification methods such as scanning the Aadhaar Secure QR Code or offline e-KYC.
The government has also instructed NAFED and NCCF to launch awareness campaigns among farmers to ensure a smooth transition.
Issued under Section 7 of the Aadhaar Act, 2016, the notification was signed by Kamkhengthang Guite, Economic Adviser, and came into effect immediately upon its publication in the Official Gazette.
