The Union Cabinet has given the green light to a fresh funding of Rs.6,520 crore for the PM Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY), aimed at revolutionizing India’s food processing infrastructure during the 15th Finance Commission cycle (2021–22 to 2025–26). This move is set to strengthen cold chains, reduce food wastage and improve farmers’ incomes.
Rs.1,920 Crore Fresh Allocation to Fast-Track Projects
Out of the total budget, Rs.1,920 crore is a new injection dedicated to accelerating existing projects and launching new ones under PM Kisan Sampada Yojana. The key focus areas are the Integrated Cold Chain and Value Addition Infrastructure (ICCVAI) and Food Safety and Quality Assurance Infrastructure (FSQAI), both vital for modernizing food preservation and safety.
Setting Up 50 Multi-Product Food Irradiation Units
A significant chunk- Rs.1,000 crore will be used to establish 50 state-of-the-art Multi-Product Food Irradiation Units. These units will drastically improve preservation capacity by 20–30 lakh metric tonnes annually, depending on food types processed. Irradiation extends shelf life and curbs post-harvest losses, directly benefiting farmers and consumers alike.
100 NABL-Accredited Food Testing Labs to Enhance Quality Control
In addition, Rs.1,000 crore also supports creating 100 NABL-accredited food testing laboratories in the private sector. These labs will provide advanced infrastructure for quick and accurate food sample analysis, strengthening food safety mechanisms, improving consumer confidence and helping the food industry meet national and international quality standards.
Demand-Driven Projects Under PMKSY
The remaining Rs. 920 crore will fund other components of PMKSY, with projects selected through Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from eligible entities across India. This demand-driven approach ensures that investments are targeted at high-impact projects, fostering innovation and efficiency.
Launched in 2017, PM Kisan Sampada Yojana has been pivotal in creating modern supply chains and infrastructure for the food processing sector. With this renewed funding, the government aims to position India as a global food processing hub by reducing food waste, enhancing product quality and boosting farmer incomes.
These initiatives also support the broader goal of “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India) by promoting indigenous food technology, generating rural employment and strengthening the food safety ecosystem. Enhanced cold chains and quality labs will pave the way for better domestic and international market access for Indian food products.
With this ambitious Rs. 6,520 crore investment, PMKSY is set to accelerate India’s journey towards a more efficient, safe and sustainable food processing sector – benefitting farmers, consumers and the economy at large.
What is PM Kisan Sampada Yojana?
Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana is a flagship initiative launched by the Government of India to strengthen the food processing sector. It aims to enhance farmers’ earnings, reduce food wastag, and promote agro-based industries throughout the country. The scheme provides comprehensive support for developing modern infrastructure in food processing, thereby enhancing growth and sustainability in the sector.
Objectives of PM Kisan Sampada
- Increase Farmers’ Income: Encouraging value addition and minimizing post-harvest losses to improve profitability for farmers.
- Infrastructure Development: Establishing mega food parks, integrated cold chains and food processing units to modernize the sector.
- Job Creation: Generating employment opportunities, especially in rural and semi-urban regions.
- Minimize Food Wastage: Implementing advanced storage, preservation and transportation systems.
- Boost Exports: Promoting the export of processed food by enhancing quality and competitiveness.
