Government approves SAMPADA for food processing sector

The government has approved fresh Rs 6000 crore central scheme as SAMPADA (Scheme for Agro-Marine Processing and Development of Agro-Processing Clusters) for the 2016-20 period. It aims to boost processing of marine and agriculture produce. A decision is taken at the meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA).

The newly launched scheme will help in generating an investment of Rs 31400 crore and facilitate handling of 334 lakh tonnes of agro-produce valuing Rs more than one lakh crore. It is expected to benefit 20 lakh farmers and create about 530500 direct and indirect employment.

The objective of SAMPADA is to supplement agriculture, modernise processing and decrease agri-waste. SAMPADA is an umbrella scheme incorporating ongoing schemes like mega food parks, integrated cold chain and value addition infrastructure, food safety and quality assurance infrastructure and others.

The SAMPADA will give a thrust to the food processing sector and help in providing better prices to farmers and achieve the government's target to double farmers’ income by 2022. The food processing sector contributed 9.1 and 8.6 per cent of gross value added (GVA) in manufacturing and agriculture sector in FY16 respectively.