Why in NEWS
The Union Cabinet approved ₹6,520 crore for the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY) for 2021–22 to 2025–26, including ₹1,920 crore to upgrade food processing infrastructure and food safety systems.
Key Terms/Concepts
| Term | Explanation |
|---|---|
| PMKSY | Scheme to modernize food processing, reduce wastage, and improve farmer-to-market supply chains. |
| ICCVAI | Integrated Cold Chain & Value Addition Infrastructure: Supports storage and processing of perishables. |
| FSQAI | Food Safety and Quality Assurance Infrastructure: Focuses on testing labs and food safety systems. |
| NABL | National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories, certifying food testing labs. |
Key Highlights
| Area | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Allocation | ₹6,520 crore (15th Finance Commission cycle), including ₹1,920 crore enhancement. |
| New Approvals | 50 Food Irradiation Units under ICCVAI 100 NABL-accredited Food Testing Labs under FSQAI |
| Objectives of PMKSY | Minimize post-harvest losses, boost food processing capacity, enhance farmer income, ensure food safety. |
In a Nutshell
Memory Code: SAMPADA = Safety, Agro-Infra, Market Linkages, Processing, Assurance, Development, Access
PMKSY builds end-to-end food processing chains, from farm to export, strengthening income, safety, and storage.
Prelims Practice Questions
- Which of the following falls under PMKSY?
(a) Agro-Processing Clusters
(b) PM Fasal Bima Yojana
(c) Minimum Support Price Scheme
(d) National Food Security Mission - What is the primary aim of Food Safety and Quality Assurance Infrastructure under PMKSY?
(a) Price stabilization
(b) Crop insurance
(c) Food testing and certification
(d) Warehousing for pulses - Which of the following is true about ICCVAI?
(a) It funds crop insurance schemes
(b) It promotes organic farming
(c) It develops cold chain and food processing units
(d) It provides farm machinery to FPOs
Answer Key – Prelims
| Q No. | Answer | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | (a) | Agro-Processing Clusters are a key component of PMKSY. |
| 2 | (c) | FSQAI focuses on food safety and quality infrastructure. |
| 3 | (c) | ICCVAI funds cold chain and value addition infrastructure. |
