Support for Agriculture and Food Processing by the Government

Agriculture and the food processing sector are crucial in India Government has provided support in various aspects for their development. Examples of this support can be seen through schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, and Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana. Additionally, initiatives such as the Production-Linked Incentive Scheme for Food Processing Industry (PLISFPI) are proving to be effective in boosting food production.

Government Initiatives for Farmer Welfare:

Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana: This scheme provides income support to all landholding farmer families, contributing to making them self-reliant. It stands out as the world's largest direct benefit transfer scheme.

Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana: This scheme offers a simple and efficient insurance mechanism to protect crops from all kinds of risks, ensuring security for farmers from pre-sowing to post-harvest.

Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana: With the aim of providing water to farmers through micro-irrigation systems, this scheme, along with the Atmanirbhar Bharat Package, has increased investments in agricultural infrastructure.

Support in Food Processing: The government has initiated PLISFPI to support the food processing industry, enhancing capacity and promoting Indian brands. This scheme creates more employment opportunities in the market.

Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana: This scheme takes several steps to follow skilled supply chain management from farm gates to retail outlets, resulting in overall employment growth

Pradhan Mantri Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) Scheme: This scheme aims to replace individual micro-enterprises in the unorganized segment of the food processing sector. It is creating opportunities for new businesses in food processing.

Future Direction: In the future, there is a possibility of significant growth in India's agriculture and food processing markets. Particularly, government schemes and support are available to take the food processing industry to higher levels. This will lead to job growth and further empower the country's agriculture sector. Support and initiatives are steering our agriculture and food processing sector in a new direction, marking a crucial step towards development. This not only rewards farmers for their hard work but also contributes to the country's food security and overall progress.

Boosting Food Processing and Exports: India holds a strategic position in the food services sector, with the potential annual growth of domestic demand likely to be around 4% in the next 15 to 20 years. Our analysis suggests that this growth could be enhanced (5 to 6%) in high-value food items such as livestock products, fruits, vegetables, and processed food (6 to 8%). Encourage Food Processing through branding: Due to the increasing preference for branded products in major consumer sectors like clothing and electronics, there is a significant possibility of creating a new segment for branded food. Promotion through encouragement, advertising, and publicity can generate demand, showcasing the benefits for consumers. Start the “National Agriculture and Food Export Mission” in Selected Categories: The government should consider taking an active role in promoting the export of agricultural products. Currently, India lags in exports compared to other producers because it is not cost-competitive, lacks a powerful “Indian” brand in food, and falls short in adhering to quality and safety standards and providing adequate basic information. Attract Private Capital and Global Expertise: This will ensure global expertise and the latest technologies in all aspects of the food and agriculture value chain. Particularly, global food and agriculture companies can support the efficient adaptation of the significant changes in Indian agriculture, provide expertise, branding, and export capabilities through incentives, promotion, and advertising.

Conclusion: Government support in the agriculture and food processing sector is proving to be a successful culmination, bringing about improvements in Indian agriculture, and food production. Various schemes, including the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, and Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana, along with initiatives like PLISFPI, Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana, and Pradhan Mantri Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) Scheme, are providing economic support to farmers and creating opportunities for new entrepreneurs in the food processing sector.