The Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) is implementing the Scheme for Integrated Cold Chain and Value Addition Infrastructure under the umbrella scheme – Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY). The objective of the scheme is to provide integrated cold chain, preservation and value addition infrastructure facilities without any break, from farm gate to the consumer in order to reduce post-harvest losses of non-horticulture produce, dairy, meat, poultry and marine/fish (except shrimp).

The Scheme is demand driven in nature. The eligible entities to apply for benefits under the scheme include individuals as well as entity/organisation such as Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), Farmer Producer Companies, Non-Governmental Organisations, Public Sector Undertakings, Firms, Companies etc., with business interest in cold chain solutions and also by those who manage supply chain.

The components of the Scheme are creation of Farm Level Infrastructure, Processing Centre, Distribution Hub, Refrigerated vans/ refrigerated trucks/ insulated vans/ mobile insulated tankers. The Scheme also supports creation of Irradiation Facility as a standalone component. The scheme allows flexibility in project planning with special emphasis on creation of cold chain infrastructure at farm level.

Under the Scheme, MoFPI provides grant-in-aid @35% of the eligible project cost for projects in General areas and @50% of the eligible project cost for projects in Difficult areas as well as for projects of SC/STs, FPOs and Self Help Groups, subject to maximum of Rs.10 crore per project. So far, MoFPI has approved 372 projects for creation of 38.82 lakh metric tonne (LMT) preservation capacity and 148.07 LMT processing capacity per annum. These projects benefit 35.53 lakh farmers and created employment opportunities to 2.23 lakhs persons.

This information was given by Union Minister of State for Food Processing Industries Km. Shobha Karandlaje in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

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