What is Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada (SAMPADA) Yojana? Mention its objectives and provisions.

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Points to Remember:

  • Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY) is a flagship scheme aimed at improving the post-harvest infrastructure and value addition in the agricultural sector.
  • It focuses on reducing post-harvest losses, enhancing farmers’ income, and promoting value addition.
  • The scheme has several components addressing different aspects of the agricultural value chain.

Introduction:

The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY), launched in 2016, is a centrally sponsored scheme aimed at creating a robust post-harvest management infrastructure in India. The scheme recognizes that significant agricultural produce is lost post-harvest due to inadequate storage, processing, and transportation facilities. This leads to substantial economic losses for farmers and impacts food security. PMKSY aims to address this critical gap by providing financial and technical assistance for developing infrastructure and promoting value addition across the agricultural value chain. The scheme’s success is crucial for achieving sustainable agricultural growth and improving the livelihoods of farmers.

Body:

Objectives of PMKSY:

The primary objectives of PMKSY are multifaceted:

  • Reducing Post-Harvest Losses: A significant portion of agricultural produce is lost due to inadequate storage, transportation, and processing facilities. PMKSY aims to minimize these losses through investments in infrastructure development.
  • Enhancing Farmers’ Income: By improving the quality and marketability of agricultural produce, PMKSY aims to increase farmers’ income and improve their economic well-being.
  • Promoting Value Addition: The scheme encourages value addition through processing and packaging, thereby increasing the value of agricultural products and creating new market opportunities.
  • Creating Employment Opportunities: The development of infrastructure and processing units under PMKSY is expected to generate employment opportunities, particularly in rural areas.
  • Improving Food Processing Infrastructure: The scheme focuses on strengthening the food processing sector by providing support for the establishment of modern processing units and cold chains.

Provisions of PMKSY:

PMKSY encompasses several components to achieve its objectives:

  • Mega Food Parks: These parks integrate various processing and storage facilities to create a complete food processing ecosystem.
  • Cold Chains: Development of cold storage facilities at various levels of the supply chain to maintain the quality and extend the shelf life of perishable agricultural products.
  • Integrated Pack Houses: These facilities combine cleaning, grading, sorting, and packaging operations to improve the quality and presentation of agricultural produce.
  • Food Processing and Preservation Units: Support for the establishment of small and medium-sized food processing units using appropriate technologies.
  • Value Chain Development: Promoting the development of value chains for specific agricultural commodities through cluster development and capacity building.
  • Infrastructure Development: Investment in infrastructure such as roads, transportation, and market linkages to improve the efficiency of the agricultural supply chain.

Challenges and Criticisms:

While PMKSY has the potential to significantly impact the agricultural sector, some challenges remain:

  • Implementation Gaps: Effective implementation requires strong coordination between various government agencies and stakeholders. Delays in project approvals and disbursement of funds can hinder progress.
  • Lack of Awareness: Many farmers may be unaware of the scheme’s provisions and benefits, limiting participation.
  • Sustainability: The long-term sustainability of the infrastructure created under PMKSY needs to be ensured through proper maintenance and management.

Conclusion:

The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana is a crucial initiative aimed at transforming the post-harvest management system in India. Its objectives of reducing post-harvest losses, enhancing farmers’ income, and promoting value addition are vital for achieving sustainable agricultural growth and food security. While challenges related to implementation and awareness exist, addressing these through improved coordination, targeted awareness campaigns, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the created infrastructure will be crucial for realizing the scheme’s full potential. By effectively implementing PMKSY, India can move towards a more efficient and profitable agricultural sector, contributing significantly to the nation’s economic growth and ensuring food security for its citizens. A holistic approach incorporating technological advancements, farmer training, and market linkages will further enhance the impact of this vital scheme.

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