Cabinet Approves Rs 6520 Cr Outlay for Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana to Boost Food Processing

Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana gets a big boost with the Union Cabinet approving Rs 6520 crore to strengthen the food processing sector across India. This budget will help expand cold chain infrastructure, value addition, and quality assurance through food irradiation and testing labs. If you’re a farmer, entrepreneur, or involved in the food industry, knowing about the scheme’s latest funding and opportunities could be very useful for you.

Funding and Allocation under PM Kisan Sampada Yojana

A total of Rs 6520 crore has been approved for the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana for the period 2021-22 to 2025-26 as part of the 15th Finance Commission Cycle. This includes an extra Rs 1920 crore over previous budgets. The funds will be used across various parts of the scheme with a demand-driven approach.

Here’s how the allocation is divided:

Component Scheme	Allocation (in Rs Crore)	Purpose
Integrated Cold Chain and Value Addition Infrastructure (ICCVAI)	1000	Setting up 50 Multi Product Food Irradiation Units
Food Safety and Quality Assurance Infrastructure (FSQAI)	1000	Establishing 100 NABL Accredited Food Testing Laboratories
Various Component Schemes under PMKSY	920	Approving projects across different segments
Total Outlay for PMKSY	6520	All components combined

Multi Product Food Irradiation Units: Improving Food Preservation

A key highlight of this budget is setting up 50 multi product food irradiation units. These units will increase food preservation capacity significantly, between 20 to 30 Lakh Metric Tonnes every year, depending on the type of food processed. Food irradiation is a good way to preserve food by reducing spoilage and extending shelf life.

This scheme under the Integrated Cold Chain and Value Addition Infrastructure (ICCVAI) will directly support farmers and processors by reducing food waste and increasing the availability of safe and quality food products.

Setting Up NABL Accredited Food Testing Laboratories

Another important part of the scheme is the creation of 100 food testing labs accredited by NABL (National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories). These labs will act as advanced centers, making sure food products meet strict safety and quality standards.

Being accredited gives credibility and trust in food testing, which helps meet national and international food safety rules. This will help the whole food value chain, from producers to consumers, by providing safe, high-quality food.

How to Participate: Expression of Interest and Proposal Process

If you want to join in or benefit from the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana, the government will soon invite Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from eligible groups across the country. This demand-driven method creates chances for private sector involvement.

Submitted proposals will be reviewed according to the scheme guidelines and eligibility before approval. This makes sure there’s clarity and fairness in giving funds and approving projects.

Also Read – PM Vishwakarma Yojana

Benefits for Farmers and Food Industry Stakeholders

Building this better infrastructure will bring many benefits:

• Farmers will have less post-harvest loss thanks to improved preservation and testing facilities.
• Food processors and entrepreneurs can use modern irradiation units to keep products fresh and high quality.
• Consumers will get safer and better quality food through following food safety standards ensured by NABL accredited labs.

These steps under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana show India’s commitment to improving the food processing sector, making it more competitive and lasting.

For more information and updates, visit the Ministry of Food Processing Industries website: https://mofpi.nic.in/