New Delhi: The Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) has invited bids from potential investors and promoters for agro-processing clusters of Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY).
The bids are now open for General Category promoters, which was earlier exclusive for the Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST) and North Eastern Region.
Also read: SC asks centre submit details on stranded Tamil labours in Kuwait
“It has been decided to invite proposals from General Category promoters/ investors also for setting up of agro-processing clusters in the country under PMKSY,” says the notification issued by MoFPI.
The notification further says that the willing promoters from all categories may submit their proposals through online portal only as per the revised operational guidelines for the ‘Scheme for Creation of Infrastructure for Agro-Processing Clusters’ issued in March, 2020.
The last date for submission of the bid is August 31, 2020, and the promoters are asked to submit the bid by 11.30 pm.
As per ministry officials, no proposals shall be accepted through physical mode and the online received proposals will be approved based on evaluation of the proposals and subject to availability of funds.
PM Kisan SAMPADA Yojana is a comprehensive package which will result in the creation of modern infrastructure with efficient supply chain management from farm gate to retail outlet. It will not only provide a big boost to the growth of food processing sector in the country but also help in providing better returns to farmers and is a big step towards doubling of farmers income, creating huge employment opportunities especially in the rural areas, reducing wastage of agricultural produce, increasing the processing level and enhancing the export of the processed foods.
Each agro-processing cluster under the scheme has two basic components i.e., Basic Enabling Infrastructure (roads, water supply, power supply, drainage, ETP and so on), Core Infrastructure, Common facilities (warehouses, cold storages, IQF, tetra pack, sorting, grading and so on) and at least 5 food processing units with a minimum investment of Rs 25 crore.
The units are set up simultaneously along with the creation of common infrastructure. At least 10 acres of land is required to be arranged either by purchase or on lease for at least 50 years for setting up of Agro-Processing Cluster.
