What is the Cabinet's new approval of Rs 6,520 crore for Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana?
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Synopsis
The Union Cabinet has approved a substantial funding of Rs 6,520 crore for the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana, enhancing India's food processing capabilities. This initiative aims to improve infrastructure, reduce waste, and ensure food safety, showcasing the government's commitment to advancing the agricultural sector and ensuring sustainable growth.
Key Takeaways
- Rs 6,520 crore approved for PMKSY to boost food processing.
- 50 multi-product food irradiation units to be established.
- 100 NABL-accredited food testing labs will enhance food safety.
- Focus on reducing post-harvest losses in agriculture.
- Initiative aligned with the 15th Finance Commission cycle.
New Delhi, July 31 (NationPress) The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has granted a significant outlay of Rs 6,520 crore, which includes an additional Rs 1,920 crore, for the ongoing Central sector Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY) during the 15th Finance Commission cycle from 2021-22 to 2025-26, as per an official announcement.
This approval encompasses Rs 1,000 crore designated for establishing 50 Multi Product Food Irradiation Units under the Integrated Cold Chain and Value Addition Infrastructure (ICCVAI) scheme and 100 Food Testing Labs with NABL accreditation under the Food Safety and Quality Assurance Infrastructure (FSQAI) component of the PMKSY scheme. Additionally, Rs 920 crore is allocated for sanctioning various projects under several component schemes of the PMKSY throughout the 15th Finance Commission cycle, according to the statement.
Both the ICCVAI and FSQAI are demand-responsive component schemes of the PMKSY. An expression of interest (EOI) will be released to invite proposals from qualified entities nationwide. Proposals submitted in response to the EOI will be evaluated and approved based on the eligibility criteria outlined in the existing scheme guidelines.
The execution of the proposed 50 multi-product food irradiation units is anticipated to generate a total preservation capacity ranging from 20 to 30 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) annually, depending on the types of food products processed in these units. Furthermore, establishing the 100 NABL-accredited food testing laboratories in the private sector will enhance infrastructure for testing food samples, thus ensuring adherence to food safety standards and the provision of safe food, as noted in the statement.
The ICCVAI initiative from the Ministry of Food Processing Industries has led to a notable decrease in wastage within the vegetables, dairy, and fisheries sectors, along with additional benefits across other sectors, according to a NABARD study.
Since 2016-17, the Ministry of Food Processing Industries has been executing the PMKSY to establish post-harvest infrastructure and processing facilities, aiming to elevate the overall growth of the food processing sector, including minimizing post-harvest losses.
Point of View
The government's approval of this significant funding for the PMKSY reflects a robust commitment to enhancing agricultural infrastructure. This initiative is essential for reducing post-harvest losses and ensuring food safety, thereby supporting sustainable development in the agricultural sector. The focus on innovation and quality assurance in food processing aligns with the nation's broader goals for economic growth and food security.
NationPress
22/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana?
The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY) is a scheme initiated by the Indian government to enhance food processing infrastructure and reduce post-harvest losses in the agricultural sector.
How much funding has been approved for PMKSY?
The Union Cabinet has approved a total outlay of Rs 6,520 crore for the PMKSY, which includes an additional Rs 1,920 crore.
What are the key components of the approved funds?
The approved funds include Rs 1,000 crore for setting up 50 Multi Product Food Irradiation Units and Rs 920 crore for various projects under the PMKSY.
How will this initiative impact food safety?
The establishment of NABL-accredited food testing labs will enhance food safety standards, ensuring compliance and the supply of safe food to consumers.
When was the PMKSY launched?
The PMKSY was launched in 2016-17 to promote post-harvest infrastructure and processing facilities in the food sector.
