The PM Kisan SAMPADA Yojana is a flagship initiative by the Government of India aimed at transforming the agro-processing sector. Launched to boost food processing, reduce wastage, and increase farmers’ income, this scheme has become a cornerstone of India’s agricultural and economic development. With a focus on modern infrastructure, efficient supply chains, and value addition, the PM Kisan SAMPADA Yojana is a game-changer for farmers, entrepreneurs, and the rural economy.
What is PM Kisan SAMPADA Yojana?
The PM Kisan SAMPADA Yojana (Scheme for Agro-Marine Processing and Development of Agro-Processing Clusters) was initially approved by the Government of India on May 3, 2017, with an allocation of Rs. 6,000 crore. It was designed to be implemented during the 2016-2020 period, coinciding with the 14th Finance Commission cycle. Later, the scheme was renamed Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana (PMKSY) to reflect its broader vision of empowering farmers and strengthening the food processing sector.
The scheme was extended for another year, until 2020-21, and has now been approved for continuation until March 31, 2026, with an allocation of Rs. 4,600 crore. This extension aligns with the 15th Finance Commission cycle and underscores the government’s commitment to sustainable agricultural growth and rural development.
Objectives of PM Kisan SAMPADA Yojana
The primary objective of the PM Kisan SAMPADA Yojana is to create a robust infrastructure for the agro-processing sector. This includes modern facilities, efficient supply chain management, and value addition from the farm gate to the retail outlet. The scheme aims to:
- Reduce Post-Harvest Losses: By developing cold chains and processing units, the scheme minimizes wastage of agricultural produce.
- Increase Farmers’ Income: By providing better market linkages and value addition, farmers can earn higher returns for their produce.
- Boost Employment: The scheme creates direct and indirect employment opportunities, especially in rural areas.
- Enhance Food Processing Levels: By promoting processing and preservation, the scheme aims to increase the share of processed foods in the market.
- Promote Exports: By improving quality and safety standards, the scheme enhances the export potential of Indian processed foods.
- Ensure Food Security: By reducing wastage and improving supply chains, the scheme contributes to national food security.
Key Components of PM Kisan SAMPADA Yojana
The PM Kisan SAMPADA Yojana comprises several component schemes, each targeting a specific aspect of the agro-processing sector. These include:
- Integrated Cold Chain and Value Addition Infrastructure: This component focuses on creating cold storage facilities, refrigerated transport, and processing units to reduce post-harvest losses.
- Creation/Expansion of Food Processing and Preservation Capacities (Unit Scheme): This supports the establishment of new processing units and the expansion of existing ones.
- Infrastructure for Agro-processing Clusters: This aims to develop clusters for agro-processing activities, providing shared facilities for small and medium enterprises.
- Food Safety and Quality Assurance Infrastructure: This component focuses on improving food safety standards through testing labs, certification, and training.
- Human Resources and Institutions – Research & Development: This supports skill development, research, and innovation in the food processing sector.
- Operation Greens: Initially launched for Tomato, Onion, and Potato (TOP) crops, this scheme has been expanded to cover 22 perishable products, including fruits and vegetables like mango, banana, apple, and cauliflower.
Benefits of PM Kisan SAMPADA Yojana
The PM Kisan SAMPADA Yojana offers a wide range of benefits to farmers, entrepreneurs, and the economy as a whole. Some of the key benefits include:
- For Farmers:
- Better price realization for their produce through value addition and processing.
- Reduced post-harvest losses due to improved storage and transportation facilities.
- Access to modern infrastructure and technology, enhancing productivity and quality.
- For Entrepreneurs:
- Opportunities to set up food processing units with financial support from the government.
- Access to shared infrastructure in agro-processing clusters, reducing initial investment costs.
- Enhanced market linkages and export potential for processed foods.
- For the Economy:
- Increased contribution of the food processing sector to the GDP.
- Job creation in rural and semi-urban areas, reducing migration to cities.
- Improved food security and reduced dependency on imports.
- For Consumers:
- Availability of safe, high-quality processed foods at affordable prices.
- Reduced price volatility of perishable products like fruits and vegetables.
Implementation and Progress
The PM Kisan SAMPADA Yojana is implemented by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI). Since its inception, the scheme has made significant progress in achieving its objectives. Some notable achievements include:
- Establishment of Mega Food Parks across the country, providing state-of-the-art infrastructure for food processing.
- Development of integrated cold chains, ensuring the availability of fresh produce throughout the year.
- Expansion of processing capacities, leading to increased production of value-added products.
- Training and skill development programs for farmers and entrepreneurs, enhancing their capabilities.
The scheme has also leveraged substantial private investment, with an expected total investment of Rs. 11,095.93 crore by 2025-26. This investment is projected to benefit over 28 lakh farmers and generate more than 5 lakh direct and indirect jobs.
Challenges and the Way Forward
While the PM Kisan SAMPADA Yojana has achieved significant milestones, there are challenges that need to be addressed for its continued success. These include:
- Awareness and Outreach: Many farmers and entrepreneurs, especially in remote areas, are still unaware of the scheme’s benefits. Increased awareness campaigns are needed to ensure wider participation.
- Infrastructure Gaps: Despite progress, there are still gaps in infrastructure, particularly in rural areas. Continued investment is essential to bridge these gaps.
- Coordination and Monitoring: Effective coordination between central and state governments, as well as robust monitoring mechanisms, are crucial for the scheme’s success.
- Sustainability: Ensuring the sustainability of infrastructure and operations is vital for long-term impact.
To address these challenges, the government must focus on strengthening implementation mechanisms, promoting public-private partnerships, and leveraging technology for better monitoring and evaluation.
Conclusion
The PM Kisan SAMPADA Yojana is a transformative initiative that addresses the critical needs of India’s agro-processing sector. By focusing on infrastructure development, value addition, and market linkages, the scheme not only benefits farmers and entrepreneurs but also contributes to the overall economic growth of the country.
With its continued implementation and expansion, the PM Kisan SAMPADA Yojana has the potential to revolutionize India’s food processing industry, reduce agricultural wastage, and double farmers’ income. As the scheme moves forward, it is essential to address existing challenges and ensure that its benefits reach every corner of the country.
In a nation where agriculture is the backbone of the economy, the PM Kisan SAMPADA Yojana stands as a beacon of hope, promising a brighter future for farmers, rural communities, and the food processing sector.