Cabinet Clears Rs 6,520 Crore Boost for PMKSY to Revolutionize Food Processing

In a significant stride towards enhancing India's food processing capabilities, the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi sanctioned a total outlay of Rs 6,520 crore for the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY). This decision encompasses an additional allocation of Rs 1,920 crore, specifically targeting the 15th Finance Commission Cycle from 2021-22 to 2025-26.

The comprehensive approval includes a substantial Rs 1,000 crore to establish 50 Multi-Product Food Irradiation Units. This investment falls under the component scheme of Integrated Cold Chain and Value Addition Infrastructure (ICCVAI). Moreover, the plan includes setting up 100 Food Testing Laboratories accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL), aligning with the Food Safety and Quality Assurance Infrastructure (FSQAI) under PMKSY, reflecting commitments made in the recent budget announcement.

In an expansive move to stimulate growth and innovation, approximately Rs 920 crore was earmarked for various PMKSY component schemes. The Expression of Interests will be announced to invite proposals from qualified entities nationwide, evaluated per scheme guidelines. The initiative for multi-product food irradiation units is projected to achieve a preservation capacity of 20 to 30 Lakh Metric Tonnes annually, contingent on the irradiated food types. These steps aim to develop advanced testing infrastructure, safeguarding food supply standards. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)