- Why in news
- On 30 July 2026 the Food Processing Industries Minister told the Lok Sabha that 1,256 of 1,735 approved PMKSY projects are operational, benefiting about 37.76 lakh farmers.
- What it is
- Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana is a central sector umbrella scheme of the Ministry of Food Processing Industries. It funds modern food processing and preservation infrastructure from farm gate to retail. The aim is to cut post-harvest losses, add value to farm produce and raise farmers' income.
- Type and start
- PMKSY is a central sector umbrella scheme run by MoFPI since 2017-18.
- Demand-driven
- Funds are not allocated state-wise. Applications come through Expressions of Interest and are judged on merit, subject to funds.
- Progress
- 1,735 projects approved and 1,256 operational as on 30.06.2026, with 294.21 LMT per annum capacity.
- FPO support
- FPOs get enhanced financial assistance with a reduced net-worth requirement compared with general applicants.
- Form of aid
- Assistance is given as grants-in-aid or subsidy.
Don’t confuse with PMKSY vs PMFME: PMKSY is a central sector umbrella scheme for larger processing infrastructure. PMFME is a centrally sponsored scheme for micro food processing enterprises, with 35% credit-linked subsidy up to ₹10 lakh.
Schemes: 52 Prelims questions since 2013, 10 in Prelims 2026 alone. They test features, the period and who funds it. In Mains, 33 news-triggered questions, mostly GS3.
Why it matters
- Cuts post-harvest losses through cold chains and processing capacity.
- Raises farmers' price realisation and creates rural jobs and investment.
Problems
- Many approved projects are not yet operational (1,256 of 1,735).
- Demand-driven funding can leave out less-served regions.
Way forward
- Speed up completion of approved projects and track outcomes.
- Link FPOs more closely to processing units for better market access.
Put in your answer
PMKSY progress data: 1,256 operational projects benefit about 37.76 lakh farmers.
PMFME support for FPOs: PMFME gives FPOs 35% credit-linked subsidy up to ₹10 lakh for micro food processing units.
- 2020Mains GS3 · Q4Challenges, opportunities of food processing; increasing farmers' income via processing.
- 2025Mains GS3 · Q14Scope of food processing industries; government employment-generating measures.
- 2019Mains GS3 · Q14Government policies to meet food processing sector challenges.
UPSC’s own questions that come close to this issue, from our Prelims and Mains banks.
No practice question for this one; the card may still help an answer. Why: Umbrella scheme since 2017-18; 1,735 projects approved, 1,256 completed. Easily confused with irrigation PMKSY, so a card is useful.
Worth revising until Prelims 2028: most news questions come within two years of the event.