SAMPADA (Scheme for Agro-Marine Processing and Development of Agro-Processing Clusters)
With its diverse agricultural and marine resources, India has immense potential to become a global powerhouse in agro-marine processing. To harness this potential and promote sustainable development, the Government of India launched the Scheme for Agro-Marine Processing and Development of Agro-Processing Clusters, commonly known as the SAMPADA scheme. This scheme aims to revolutionise the food processing sector, reduce post-harvest losses, and boost farmers’ income. The scheme was later renamed as Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana (PMKSY).
What is PMKSY Scheme (erstwhile SAMPADA Scheme)
The SAMPADA scheme is a comprehensive program designed to integrate and modernise the agro-marine processing industry. It aims to create a modern infrastructure with efficient supply chain management. Besides boosting the growth of the food processing section, the SAMPADA scheme aims to provide better prices to farmers, increase their income, create employment in rural areas, reduce agricultural waste, increase food processing efficiency and enhance food export.
What is PMKSY Scheme (erstwhile SAMPADA Scheme)
The SAMPADA scheme is a comprehensive program designed to integrate and modernise the agro-marine processing industry. It aims to create a modern infrastructure with efficient supply chain management. Besides boosting the growth of the food processing section, the SAMPADA scheme aims to provide better prices to farmers, increase their income, create employment in rural areas, reduce agricultural waste, increase food processing efficiency and enhance food export.
Schemes Under SAMPADA or PMKSY
As mentioned above, SAMPADA is a comprehensive package of various schemes, each serving different industries and purposes. When introduced, the scheme had 7 different components, some of which have been discontinued in the later years. Currently, there are 5 ongoing schemes under PMKSY and one yet-to-be-implemented scheme.
Here is the list of the schemes being implemented under SAMPADA.
- Integrated Cold Chain and Value Addition Infrastructure
- Creation or Expansion of Food Processing and Preservation Capacities
- Infrastructure for Agro-Processing Clusters
- Food Safety and Quality Assurance Infrastructure
- Human Resources and Institutions – Research & Development
- Operation Greens
Brief details of each scheme are provided here.
Integrated Cold Chain and Value Addition Infrastructure: Similar to the Integrated Cold Chain scheme, this component focuses on establishing a robust cold chain network. It includes facilities for minimal processing, pre-cooling, cold storage, and distribution hubs. These facilities help preserve the freshness of agricultural produce and minimize losses.
Creation or Expansion of Food Processing and Preservation Capacities: The primary focus is to build state-of-the-art processing units and infrastructure. These units are designed to accommodate a wide range of agricultural and marine produce, enhancing their value through processing, preservation, and value addition
Infrastructure for Agro-Processing Clusters: Under this component, infrastructure is developed for agro-processing clusters. These clusters are designed to enhance the processing and value addition of specific crops in specific regions, promoting crop diversification and increasing farmers’ income.
Food Safety and Quality Assurance Infrastructure: To ensure the quality and safety of processed products, the scheme supports initiatives for quality control, testing laboratories, and certification.
Human Resource Development: Capacity building and skill development programs are an integral part of the SAMPADA scheme. These programs empower individuals in the agro-marine processing sector with the knowledge and skills required for modern food processing techniques.
Operations Green: For the integrated development of Tomato, Onion and Potato (TOP) crops value chain. Government has further expanded the scope of the scheme to 22 perishable products including Mango, Banana, Apple, Pineapple, Carrot, Cauliflower, Beans etc., to boost value addition in these perishable crops.
Benefits of the SAMPADA Scheme
The SAMPADA scheme offers a myriad of benefits for various stakeholders:
Farmers: Farmers benefit from reduced post-harvest losses, better prices for their produce, and access to modern processing facilities.
Entrepreneurs: Entrepreneurs find opportunities to invest in food processing units, cold storage, and logistics, leading to business growth.
Consumers: Consumers gain access to a wider variety of processed and value-added food products that meet quality and safety standards.
Employment: The scheme generates employment opportunities in food processing, logistics, and related sectors, contributing to economic development.
Export Potential: Improved processing and packaging standards open doors for Indian agro-marine products in international markets.
FAQs
What are the eligibility criteria to apply for financial assistance under the SAMPADA scheme?
Eligibility criteria may vary depending on the specific sub-scheme or initiative within SAMPADA. Typically, applicants should meet certain financial, technical, and operational requirements outlined in the scheme guidelines.
How does the scheme ensure that processed food products meet quality and safety standards?
The SAMPADA scheme places a strong emphasis on quality assurance and food safety. It may include provisions for setting up quality control labs and testing facilities. These labs are responsible for ensuring that processed products adhere to national and international quality standards.
Are there any specific regions or areas targeted for the establishment of agro-processing clusters under the scheme?
While the scheme aims to promote agro-processing clusters across the country, there may be specific regions or areas prioritized based on their agricultural and marine potential. These regions often receive focused support to boost processing and value-addition activities.
What are the steps involved in applying for financial assistance under the SAMPADA scheme's components?
The application process typically involves several stages, including project proposal submission, evaluation, approval, and disbursement of financial assistance. Interested parties should follow the guidelines provided by the implementing authorities, which may vary depending on the component they are applying for.
Is there a timeline or deadline for availing benefits under the SAMPADA scheme, and when can interested stakeholders apply?
The scheme is generally demand-driven, meaning that interested parties can apply throughout the year. However, specific sub-schemes or initiatives may announce application windows or expressions of interest (EOIs) periodically. It's crucial to stay informed about these announcements to ensure timely application.