Q . Though India possesses vast resources of agriculture and a big domestic market, the agro-processing clusters are negligible. In this context examine the PM- Kisan SAMPADA scheme and its relevance. 1st November 2020 (10 marks, 200 words, GS-3)
Answer-
Approach-
- In the first para, what is Kisan SAMPADA scheme could be introduced.
- The next para would include the importance and the important role it could play.
- Then we could discuss the challenges and the issu
- es in its implementation.
- And the final para could include the further improvements possible.
It is a comprehensive package which will result in the creation of modern infrastructure with efficient supply chain management from farm gate to retail outlet. Indian farmer is suffering at both levels, i.e. production/farm level due to post harvest losses as well as market level due to low price for their produce. To supplement agriculture, modernize processing and decrease Agri-Waste, government has launched PM Kisan SAMPADA Yojana.
SAMPADA is an umbrella scheme incorporating ongoing schemes of the Ministry like Mega Food Parks, Integrated Cold Chain and Value Addition Infrastructure, Food Safety and Quality Assurance Infrastructure, etc. and also new schemes like Infrastructure for Agro-processing Clusters, Creation of Backward and Forward Linkages, Creation / Expansion of Food Processing & Preservation Capacities.
It will not only provide a big boost to the growth of food processing sector in the country but also help in providing better prices to farmers and is a big step towards doubling of farmers’ income. It aims to boost processing of marine and agriculture produce.
It will create huge employment opportunities especially in the rural areas. It will also help in reducing wastage of agricultural produce, increasing the processing level, availability of safe and convenient processed foods at affordable price to consumers and enhancing the export of the processed foods.
However the success of the scheme depends on the implementation. Availability of land, proper market linkages for perishable food items, efficient supply chain, good price for the produce, etc. are some impediments that could obstruct the scheme’s implementation.
But it is a great step in the direction of doubling farmers’ income by 2022 as it tries to create not only food processing industries but also logistical support that is must for market linkages. Reaching out to vast market could ensure good price for the produce and also the farmers could invest in other non-agricultural sectors like logistics and also storage chains.