Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana

1. Introduction

Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana (PMKSY) is a central sector scheme launched to strengthen the food processing industry in India by developing modern infrastructure and efficient supply chains. The scheme focuses on creating an integrated food processing network from the farm gate to retail outlets, helping farmers get better prices for their produce while reducing post-harvest losses.

The scheme aims to boost agricultural value addition, generate employment in rural areas and improve the overall efficiency of the food supply chain. By promoting modern processing facilities, cold storage infrastructure and agro-processing clusters, Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana supports the goal of doubling farmers’ income and increasing exports of processed food products.

2. Features of Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana

• Total financial outlay – The scheme has a total allocation of around ₹6,000 crore to support infrastructure development in the food processing sector.
• Implementation period – PM Kisan SAMPADA Yojana was implemented during 2019–20 as an umbrella scheme to promote food processing activities across the country.
• Integrated food processing development – The scheme integrates several existing and new initiatives to strengthen the food processing value chain from farm gate to retail market.
• Reduction of food wastage – A major objective of the PMKSY Scheme is to reduce post-harvest losses of agricultural produce, especially perishable items such as fruits and vegetables.
• Promotion of value addition – The scheme encourages the establishment of food processing units, cold chains and storage facilities, increasing the value of agricultural products.
• Support for farmer income – By improving processing and marketing facilities, the Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana helps farmers receive better prices for their produce.

3. Implementation and Components of PM Kisan SAMPADA Yojana

The scheme is implemented by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) with the objective of creating modern food processing infrastructure and strengthening the agricultural supply chain.

• Development of Mega Food Parks – The government has approved the establishment of about 42 Mega Food Parks to provide modern infrastructure for food processing and connect farmers with processors and markets.
• Integrated Cold Chain Projects – Around 236 integrated cold chain projects have been approved to improve storage, transportation and preservation of perishable agricultural products.
• Investment in food processing projects – In February 2020, the Ministry of Food Processing Industries sanctioned 32 projects across 17 states, leveraging investments worth about ₹406 crore.
• Creation of agro-processing clusters – The PMKSY Scheme promotes the development of agro-processing clusters to facilitate smooth movement of agricultural products from production centers to markets.
• Modern processing and preservation technologies – The programme encourages the adoption of modern food processing techniques to increase the shelf life of agricultural produce and reduce wastage.

These components aim to build a strong food processing ecosystem that benefits farmers, food processors and consumers.

4. Significance of Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana

The Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana plays an important role in strengthening the food processing sector and improving the agricultural supply chain in India.

• Increasing farmer income – By promoting food processing and value addition, the scheme helps farmers receive better returns for their agricultural produce.
• Employment generation – The scheme supports the development of processing units and food parks, which create direct and indirect employment opportunities, especially in rural areas.
• Reduction of post-harvest losses – Improved cold storage, processing and transportation infrastructure helps reduce wastage of perishable agricultural products.
• Growth of food processing industry – The scheme encourages investment and modern infrastructure in the food processing sector. India’s food processing market was valued at about ₹26 billion in FY 2018 and is expected to reach around ₹53 billion by FY 2024, growing at a CAGR of about 12%.
• Boost to exports of processed food – By improving processing capacity and quality standards, the PMKSY Scheme helps increase exports of processed agricultural products from India.

These benefits highlight the importance of Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana in promoting agricultural value addition, rural employment and growth of the food processing industry in India.

5. Conclusion

Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana plays a crucial role in strengthening India’s food processing infrastructure, reducing post-harvest losses and promoting agricultural value addition. By developing cold chains, food parks and processing facilities, the scheme improves farmer income, employment and exports. Effective implementation of PMKSY Scheme can further strengthen the agricultural supply chain and support sustainable rural economic development.

BPSC Mains Practice Question

“Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana is an important intervention for reducing post-harvest losses and promoting value addition in Indian agriculture.” Discuss the key features and components of the scheme and examine its significance for farmers, employment generation and food processing infrastructure.

Learn More: Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana

Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana strengthens food processing infrastructure, reduces post-harvest losses and promotes value addition in agriculture. Learn more about Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana through the official Ministry of Food Processing Industries portal.