PM Kisan Sampada Yojana: In May 2017, the Cabinet approved the Central Sector Scheme, originally named SAMPADA (Scheme for Agro-Marine Processing and Development of Agro-Processing Clusters). It was set to run from 2016 to 2020, in sync with the 14th Finance Commission cycle. Recently, the scheme underwent a name change and is now known as the “Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY)“.
PMKSY functions as an umbrella scheme, consolidating various ongoing initiatives of the Ministry such as Mega Food Parks, Integrated Cold Chain and Value Addition Infrastructure, and Food Safety and Quality Assurance Infrastructure. Additionally, PMKSY incorporates new schemes like Infrastructure for Agro-processing Clusters and the Creation of Backward and Forward Linkages, as well as the Expansion of Food Processing & Preservation Capacities.
Objective – PM Kisan Sampada Yojana
The primary aim of PMKSY is to enhance agriculture through supplementary measures, promote modernization in processing techniques, and reduce agricultural waste.
Implemented – PM Kisan Sampada Yojana
- Establishment of Mega Food Parks
- Development of Integrated Cold Chain, Value Addition, and Preservation Infrastructure
- Expansion of Food Processing and Preservation Capacities
- Creation of Infrastructure for Agro Processing Clusters
- Implementation of Schemes for Creating Backward and Forward Linkages
- Enhancing Infrastructure for Food Safety and Quality Assurance
- Strengthening Human Resources and Institutions in the Food Processing Sector
Mega Food Parks
- Modernizing infrastructure for food processing units nationwide.
- Enhancing value addition of agricultural produce, encompassing dairy, fisheries, etc.
- Creating sustainable raw material supply chains for each processing cluster.
- Facilitating the integration of cutting-edge technology.
- Supporting small and micro food processing enterprises with readily available facilities.
- Establishing institutional frameworks for collaboration among producers, processors, and retailers to strengthen the supply chain.
Integrated Cold Chain and Value Addition Infrastructure
Financial aid extends to establish comprehensive cold chain, preservation, and value addition infrastructure to mitigate post-harvest losses in both horticulture and non-horticulture sectors. This support ensures an uninterrupted flow from the farm gate to the consumer, enhancing efficiency and reducing wastage.
Creation/ Expansion of Food Processing/ Preservation Capacities (Unit Scheme)
- The scheme encompasses the establishment, expansion, and modernization of processing and preservation facilities to elevate processing levels, enhance value addition, and consequently mitigate wastage.
- Both the establishment of new units and the modernization/expansion of existing units fall under the purview of this scheme.
- Processing units engage in diverse processing activities across various sectors, aiming at value addition and extending the shelf life of processed products.
- The scheme targets a broad spectrum of processing endeavors, tailored to amplify product value and minimize wastage through enhanced preservation techniques.
- Its objectives encompass the augmentation of processing capabilities, facilitating value addition, and prolonging the shelf life of processed goods, thereby reducing overall wastage.
Infrastructure for Agro-processing Clusters
- Establish contemporary food processing infrastructure in proximity to production zones.
- Develop comprehensive preservation facilities spanning from farm gate to consumer.
- Forge robust backward and forward linkages by connecting producer groups/farmers with processors and markets through efficient supply chains.
Creation of Backward and Forward Linkages
To establish robust backward and forward linkages for perishable agri-horticultural produce, we propose the establishment of primary processing centers and collection points at the farm gate, along with distribution hubs and retail outlets at the forefront. Additionally, we aim to offer preservation facilities to extend the shelf life of perishable agricultural produce, thereby ensuring farmers receive improved remunerative prices for their goods.
Food Safety and Quality Assurance Infrastructure
- Implementing a surveillance system to oversee the quality and composition of food products.
- Analyzing samples provided by processing industries and relevant stakeholders.
- Streamlining sample analysis by minimizing transportation durations.
- Ensuring adherence to both international and domestic food standards for exports and imports.
Human Resources and Institutions
- The scheme aims to ensure that the results of R&D efforts bring tangible benefits to the food processing industry. These benefits include advancements in product and process development, the introduction of efficient technologies, enhancements in packaging methods, and the addition of value to products.
- The primary focus is on achieving commercial viability while also standardizing various aspects such as additives, colorants, preservatives, pesticide residues, chemical contaminants, microbiological contaminants, and naturally occurring toxic substances.
- The scheme aims to encourage the development of products and processes that meet industry standards and regulations, ensuring that companies maintain these factors within permissible limits.
- Through this scheme, the goal is to encourage innovation and improvement in the food processing sector, ultimately leading to the production of high-quality, safe, and commercially viable food products.
Financial Allocation
The Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) is set to receive an allocation of Rs. 6,000 crore, aiming to catalyze investments totaling Rs. 31,400 crore. It aims to manage 334 lakh metric tonnes of agricultural produce, estimated at Rs. 1,04,125 crore, benefiting 20 lakh farmers and generating approximately 5,30,500 direct and indirect employment opportunities across the country by the fiscal year 2019-20.
Impact
- Implementation of PMKSY aims to establish modern infrastructure with streamlined supply chain management from farm to retail, enhancing efficiency.
- This initiative is poised to significantly stimulate the growth of the food processing sector within the nation.
- PMKSY endeavors to offer improved prices to farmers, marking a significant stride towards doubling their income.
- PMKSY is expected to create numerous job opportunities, especially in rural areas. It aims to reduce agricultural produce wastage, increase processing levels, guarantee the availability of safe and affordable processed foods to consumers, and enhance processed food exports.
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