Government Grants Approved Rs 6,520 Crore for Pradhan Mantri Kisan Infrastructure Development Scheme During the 15th Financial Committee's Period
Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY) Boosts Food Processing Sector with New Initiatives
The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY), a central sector scheme launched by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, is set to strengthen the food processing sector in India. The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved a total outlay of Rs 6,520 crore for PMKSY for the 15th Finance Commission Cycle spanning 2021-22 to 2025-26 [1].
One of the key components of PMKSY is the Integrated Cold Chain and Value Addition Infrastructure (ICCVAI). An additional allocation of Rs 1,000 crore has been made to this component, which will be used to establish 50 Multi-Product Food Irradiation Units. These units are expected to enhance food preservation capacity by approximately 20 to 30 lakh metric tonnes annually [3][4]. Irradiation helps extend shelf life and reduce spoilage, which is especially critical for perishable goods.
Simultaneously, under the Food Safety and Quality Assurance Infrastructure (FSQAI) component, funds are allocated for establishing 100 NABL-accredited Food Testing Laboratories (FTLs). These labs will enable accurate and timely testing of food samples, supporting regulatory compliance and enhancing consumer trust [3]. The establishment of these labs will primarily be funded through private investment.
Both ICCVAI and FSQAI are demand-driven schemes under PMKSY. Proposals will be assessed and approved based on eligibility criteria outlined in the respective scheme guidelines. Expressions of Interest (EOIs) will be invited from eligible entities nationwide for both ICCVAI and FSQAI [2].
These initiatives are focused on food safety, preservation, and value addition in the food processing sector. The goal is to ensure safe, quality-assured food reaches consumers across India. The move encourages private sector participation in the food processing sector and aims to bolster the food processing ecosystem [3][2].
The planned food irradiation units and the 100 proposed food testing labs are part of the government's efforts to build robust infrastructure for ensuring food safety and quality. The government plans to establish these labs to create a robust food safety and quality assurance framework [3].
In summary, the purpose of PMKSY with regard to ICCVAI and FSQAI components is to:
- Develop a structured, technologically advanced cold chain and value addition infrastructure to reduce food wastage and improve shelf life (ICCVAI)
- Create a robust food safety and quality assurance framework by establishing accredited testing labs (FSQAI)
- Provide credit-linked financial support to entrepreneurs and infrastructure projects to strengthen food processing and preservation capabilities [1][3]
These efforts collectively aim to enhance farmers' income, boost the food processing industry, and improve consumer access to safe and high-quality processed foods from 2021-22 through 2025-26 [3][2].
[1] Ministry of Food Processing Industries. (n.d.). Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY). Retrieved from https://mpfi.gov.in/pmksy
[2] Government of India. (2021, January 15). Union Cabinet approves Rs 6,520 crore for Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY) for 15th Finance Commission Cycle. Retrieved from https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1740454
[3] Ministry of Food Processing Industries. (2021, May 26). PMKSY: ICCVAI and FSQAI Components. Retrieved from https://mpfi.gov.in/pmksy-iccvai-and-fsqai-components
[4] Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. (n.d.). Food Irradiation. Retrieved from https://www.fssai.gov.in/Food_Irradiation.aspx
The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana, aimed at boosting India's food processing sector, includes the development of a technologically advanced cold chain and value addition infrastructure (ICCVAI), which also involves the establishment of food irradiation units meant to extend food preservation capacity. This business-oriented initiative also involves the creation of a robust food safety and quality assurance framework through the establishment of 100 NABL-accredited food testing laboratories (FSQAI), primarily funded by private investment.
