The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY) is an ambitious initiative by the Government of India aimed at fortifying the agricultural sector through enhanced processing and preservation capabilities. Launched initially as SAMPADA in 2017, this comprehensive scheme has been pivotal in transforming the food processing industry, reducing waste, and ensuring value addition to the farmers’ produce.
Overview of Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana
PMKSY is a central sector scheme that has been crafted to act as a catalyst for the growth of the food processing sector in India. The primary objective of the scheme is to provide a more robust framework for farmers to maximize their income through improved processing facilities. By doing so, the scheme aims to reduce the spoilage of perishables, enhance the shelf life of food products, and ensure a greater portion of the crop value reaches the farmers.
Evolution from SAMPADA to PMKSY
Originally launched as the Scheme for Agro-Marine Processing and Development of Agro-Processing Clusters (SAMPADA), the program was revamped and rebranded as the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana in 2017. The restructured scheme was designed to be more inclusive and impactful, with a broader scope that covers the entire supply chain from the farm to the market.
Key Components of PMKSY
One of the critical components under the PMKSY is the ‘Integrated Cold Chain and Value Addition Infrastructure Scheme.’ This particular facet focuses on reducing post-harvest losses, which are significantly high in India due to inadequate storage and processing facilities. By establishing a seamless cold chain infrastructure, the government intends to maintain the quality and extend the shelf life of perishable items.
Implementation and Progress
Since its inception, the Ministry of Food Processing Industries has been diligently working towards implementing the various components of PMKSY. A significant milestone has been the approval of 353 projects under the scheme spread across different states and union territories. These projects are a testament to the government’s commitment to revolutionizing the agricultural and food processing landscape in the country.
Impact on Farmers and the Industry
The PMKSY is not just an investment in infrastructure but also an investment in the well-being of millions of farmers. By providing better processing and storage facilities, the scheme ensures that farmers can get better prices for their produce. Additionally, it opens up new avenues for entrepreneurship and employment in the food processing sector, thereby contributing to the overall economic development.
Minimizing Waste through Value Addition
A significant emphasis of the PMKSY is on minimizing waste by promoting value addition at each stage of the supply chain. The idea is to transform raw agricultural produce into a product that is ready for consumption or export, which not only reduces waste but also increases the income potential for farmers and processors alike.
Challenges and Future Prospects
Despite the progress made under PMKSY, challenges such as reaching remote areas, ensuring the participation of small-scale farmers, and maintaining the sustainability of the infrastructure remain. However, with continued government support and policy enhancements, the future prospects of PMKSY look promising. The scheme is expected to play a crucial role in achieving the government’s vision of doubling farmers’ incomes by 2022 and making India a global food processing hub.
In conclusion, the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana is a comprehensive approach to modernize the agricultural sector. Its focus on improving the processing and preservation capacities and reducing wastage through value addition is set to bring a paradigm shift in the way agriculture and food processing industries operate in India.
