Cabinet Approves ₹6,520 Cr for PMKSY Scheme to Boost Food Safety & Infrastructure

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved a total outlay of ₹6,520 crore, including an additional ₹1,920 crore, for the ongoing Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY) during the 15th Finance Commission Cycle (2021–22 to 2025–26).

The approval includes ₹1,000 crore for setting up 50 multi-product food irradiation units under the Integrated Cold Chain and Value Addition Infrastructure (ICCVAI) scheme and 100 NABL-accredited food testing labs under the Food Safety and Quality Assurance Infrastructure (FSQAI) scheme. An additional ₹920 crore has been allocated for sanctioning projects under other PMKSY components.

Both ICCVAI and FSQAI are demand-driven schemes. Expressions of Interest (EOIs) will be invited from eligible entities nationwide, and proposals will be approved based on existing guidelines.

The proposed irradiation units are expected to create food preservation capacity of 20–30 lakh metric tonnes per year. The food testing labs will enhance testing infrastructure and help ensure compliance with food safety standards, supporting the availability of safe, high-quality food products in India.