Cabinet Approves ₹6520 Crore Outlay for PM Kisan Sampada Yojana with Focus on Food Safety and Cold Chain Infrastructure

Move to establish 50 food irradiation units and 100 NABL-accredited food testing labs underlines push for agri-processing and safe food ecosystem

New Delhi, July 31: In a major boost to India’s agro-processing and food safety infrastructure, the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved a total outlay of ₹6,520 crore for the ongoing Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY) during the 15th Finance Commission Cycle (2021–22 to 2025–26). This includes an additional ₹1,920 crore to scale up key components of the central sector scheme.

The approval includes:

• ₹1,000 crore to establish 50 Multi-Product Food Irradiation Units under the Integrated Cold Chain and Value Addition Infrastructure (ICCVAI) component.
• ₹920 crore to sanction projects under other PMKSY sub-schemes.
• Establishment of 100 NABL-accredited Food Testing Laboratories (FTLs) under the Food Safety and Quality Assurance Infrastructure (FSQAI) component.

Both ICCVAI and FSQAI are demand-driven schemes, and the Ministry will float Expressions of Interest (EOIs) to invite proposals from eligible private sector participants. Approved projects will follow strict eligibility screening under existing PMKSY guidelines.

Enhancing Preservation and Food Safety

The 50 irradiation units are projected to create 20 to 30 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of food preservation capacity per annum, depending on the mix of perishable goods treated. Food irradiation is a globally accepted method for increasing shelf life, reducing spoilage, and eliminating pathogens without altering nutritional value.

Simultaneously, the setup of 100 private sector-run, NABL-accredited FTLs will significantly enhance the nation’s capacity to test, verify, and ensure food safety standards, supporting both domestic consumption and agri-export potential.

Strategic Significance

Launched under the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, PMKSY aims to augment farm-to-fork value chains, reduce food wastage, and double farmers’ income through enhanced agri-infrastructure. The new push aligns with the Union Budget’s priorities to strengthen cold chain logistics and build modern food testing systems across India.

By combining advanced preservation methods with rigorous quality control, the expanded PMKSY initiative is expected to boost rural employment, promote entrepreneurship, and ensure the supply of safe, high-quality food products to Indian and global markets.