Context:

• In July 2025, the Union Cabinet approved a total outlay of ₹6,520 crore for the ongoing Central Sector Scheme – Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana (PMKSY) during the 15th Finance Commission cycle (2021-22 to 2025-26), which includes an additional allocation of ₹1,920 crore.

Utilization of the Additional Budget:

1. Integrated Cold Chain and Value Addition Infrastructure (ICCVAI):

• ₹1,000 crore has been allocated for establishing 50 multi-product food irradiation units.
• These units will help extend the shelf life of food products and create a preservation capacity of 20–30 lakh metric tonnes annually.

2. Food Safety and Quality Assurance Infrastructure (FSQAI):

• 100 NABL-accredited food testing laboratories will be set up in the private sector. These laboratories will help ensure food safety standards and increase the availability of high-quality food products.

3. Other Projects:

• ₹920 crore has been allocated for approval of projects under various sub-components of PMKSY.
• These will be demand-based and implemented by inviting Expressions of Interest (EOI) from eligible institutions.

Other Projects:

• ₹920 crore has been allocated for approval of projects under various sub-components of PMKSY.
• These will be demand-based and implemented by inviting Expressions of Interest (EOI) from eligible institutions.

Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana (PMKSY)

• Launched: 2017
• Originally named: SAMPADA (Scheme for Agro-Marine Processing and Development of Agro-Processing Clusters); later renamed as Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana (PMKSY).
• Implementing Ministry: Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI)

Objectives:

• Link agriculture with processing to convert agri-waste into value-added products
• Increase farmers' income, reduce wastage, and generate employment

Major Components of PMKSY (6 sub-schemes):

1. Integrated Cold Chain and Value Addition Infrastructure (ICCVAI) – storage & processing support
2. Mega Food Parks – large-scale processing units
3. Agro-Processing Clusters – support to small and medium enterprises
4. Food Safety and Quality Assurance Infrastructure (FSQAI) – food testing labs
5. Backward and Forward Linkages – strengthening the supply chain
6. Human Resource and Institutions – training and R&D

Key Benefits of PMKSY (as of 2025):

• Employment generation: ~5.44 lakh jobs
• Investment attracted: ₹11,095 crore
• Farmer beneficiaries: ~28.50 lakh
• Food preservation capacity: 20–30 lakh metric tonnes per year

Key Central Schemes Related to Farmers: