Union Cabinet Boosts PMKSY Budget to Enhance Food Processing Infrastructure

In a significant move to bolster India's food processing infrastructure, the Union Cabinet, on Thursday, augmented the budget for the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY) by Rs 1,920 crore, increasing the total outlay to Rs 6,520 crore. The funds will be directed towards establishing 50 multi-product food irradiation units and 100 state-of-the-art food testing laboratories.

The decision, spearheaded by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and announced by I&B Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, extends the scheme till the fiscal year 2025-26, aligning with the 2024-25 budget announcement. This strategic investment aims to elevate the Indian food processing sector by ensuring compliance with safety standards and meeting international export demands.

With the enhanced infrastructure, including NABL-accredited labs, the government anticipates a significant reduction in food testing times, thereby boosting export potential. The initiative is positioned to mitigate post-harvest losses and enhance the shelf life of food products, marking a pivotal advancement for India's agro-processing industry.

(With inputs from agencies.)