Cabinet Authorizes Rs 6,520 Crore Allocation for Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Scheme in 15th Financial Commission Era
The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved an additional allocation of Rs 1,920 crore for the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY) during the 15th Finance Commission Cycle (2021-22 to 2025-26). This move aims to strengthen key components under the PMKSY, bolstering the food processing ecosystem and encouraging private sector participation [1][2].
The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana, launched in 2017, is a Central Sector Scheme by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries. It aims to create modern infrastructure with efficient supply chain management from farm gate to retail outlet [1][2].
The key components and focus areas of PMKSY include:
- Integrated Cold Chain and Value Addition Infrastructure (ICCVAI): This scheme has already received a Rs 1,000 crore allocation for the establishment of 50 multi-product food irradiation units, which aid in preservation and value addition by improving the shelf life and safety of food products [1][2][3][4].
- Food Safety and Quality Assurance Infrastructure (FSQAI): Funding is allocated for the support and establishment of 100 NABL-accredited Food Testing Laboratories, which develop advanced food testing capabilities to ensure compliance with safety standards and supply of safe foods [1][2][4].
- Other components: These involve creation and expansion of food processing and preservation capacities, development of agro-marine processing, and agro-processing clusters, focusing on reducing wastage of agricultural produce, increasing processing levels, enhancing exports of processed foods, and supporting farmers with better returns [1][2].
The additional funds will not be used for the Integrated Cold Chain and Value Addition Infrastructure (ICCVAI) scheme or the Food Safety and Quality Assurance Infrastructure (FSQAI) component, as these were mentioned in earlier facts. Instead, the government is focusing on food safety, preservation, and value addition in the food processing sector [1][2].
The planned 50 food irradiation units are expected to enhance food preservation capacity by approximately 20 to 30 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) annually. However, the additional funds will not be used for the planned 50 food irradiation units, as their expected annual capacity enhancement was mentioned in an earlier fact [1][2].
The move to bolster the food processing ecosystem is a significant step towards ensuring safe, quality-assured food reaches consumers across India. The establishment of these 100 NABL-accredited Food Testing Laboratories will enable accurate and timely testing of food samples, thereby supporting regulatory compliance and enhancing consumer trust [1][2][4].
References: [1] PIB India. (2021, August 26). Cabinet approves additional allocation of Rs 1920 crore for Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana. Retrieved from https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1734862
[2] Ministry of Food Processing Industries. (n.d.). Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana. Retrieved from https://foodprocessing.gov.in/pmkisy/
[3] NITI Aayog. (2020). National Strategy for New India @ 75: Food Processing. Retrieved from https://niti.gov.in/writereaddata/files/document_publication/National-Strategy-for-New-India-75_Food-Processing.pdf
[4] Ministry of Food Processing Industries. (2021, September 1). Union Cabinet approves additional allocation of Rs 1920 crore for Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana. Retrieved from https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1734862
The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana, a central sector scheme focused on food processing, will see an additional allocation of funds to strengthen its various components. This funding is intended to bolster food safety, preservation, and value addition within the food processing business.
