PMSKY - Setting Up Multiproduct Food Irradiation Units

PMSKY - Setting Up Multiproduct Food Irradiation Units IMPACT OF PMSKY: Under the PMKSY, multiproduct food irradiation units have been set up under the component of Integrated Cold Chain and Value Addition Infrastructure (Cold Chain Scheme). The Government has recently announced expanding the scope of the Cold Chain scheme from Tomato, Onion, and Potato to 22 perishables, including fruits such as mango and apple, and vegetables such as carrot, cauliflower, and beans. This is a major boost to efforts to double farmers' incomes, create employment opportunities, and reduce food waste in the country. The irradiation units are also expected to boost the country's overall processing capacity and improve food safety and quality standards. In addition, a State Level Steering Committee (SLSC) has been formed to coordinate and monitor the implementation of the PMKSY at the state level, facilitate inter-ministerial coordination and resource allocation, and address any administrative issues. SETTING UP OF MULTIPRODUCT FOOD IRRADIATION UNITS: Using irradiation technology, different types of food products can be treated simultaneously. This enables processing fruits, vegetables, grains, meats, and many other foods without setting up separate processing units for each type. This is a powerful tool that allows companies to reduce post-harvest losses, improve quality and safety standards, increase export potential, and strengthen consumer confidence in the food chain. The Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) has invited expressions of interest (EoI) for setting up 50 multiproduct food irradiation plants. These units are expected to create a total preservation capacity of 20-30 lakh metric tonnes per annum, depending on the type of food irradiated. These plants will play a significant role in reducing post-harvest losses and minimizing wastage of perishable agricultural produce by extending their shelf life. Irradiation is a safe, non-toxic method for destroying microorganisms in food and beverage products, thereby making them safer for consumers. The process is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and used in many countries around the world. Applicants should be individuals or organizations, including FPOs, FPCs, SHGs, NGOs, PSUs, firms, and companies, interested in establishing standalone or integrated food irradiation units. Applicants must have a minimum of 1 acre of land for a standalone unit and 3.5 acres of land for an integrated food irradiation unit. The MoFPI will provide financial assistance in the form of grants-in-aid to eligible projects. The grant will be based on the scope of work, location, eligibility criteria, and the proposal's priority level. The maximum grant amount will be Rs 10 crore, which covers the cost of plant & machinery (P&M) and technical civil works. The ministry will select the best proposals based on their technical and economic feasibility, project impact, and adherence to guidelines. IMPACT OF MULTIPRODUCT FOOD IRRADIATION UNITS: Irradiation is the exposure of food to controlled levels of ionising radiation that kill pathogens and insects, extend shelf life, and enable compliance with export quarantine standards. It is a safe and effective food preservation method that is similar to pasteurising milk and canning fruits and vegetables. The technology is widely used in countries with high food safety standards, particularly in the US and Canada. Food processors use gamma-ray, X-ray, and electron-beam irradiation to process foods for both domestic and export markets. The food irradiation market is growing globally due to the increasing stringency of food safety regulations and the adoption of technological advancements. In addition, the need to meet stringent food safety requirements for exports is a significant driver of this growth. Gamma irradiation has the largest share of this market, owing to its efficiency in treating bulk and dense food products and its long-established use in many countries. Other types of irradiation are also becoming increasingly popular, particularly in developing countries such as India and China. X-ray and electron beam irradiation can be used to treat smaller volumes of produce and are more affordable than other forms of food irradiation. The irradiation market is also expanding as consumers are seeking more information about the safety of their food products and are willing to pay for safer products. The Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MOFPI) has invited Expressions of Interest (EoIs) for setting up 50 multiproduct food irradiation units across the country, as part of the Integrated Cold Chain and Value Addition Infrastructure scheme under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana. The ministry will provide a grant-in-aid of Rs 10 crore per project for the cost of plant & machinery and technical civil works. This is in line with the budget announcement, and the scheme will help to ensure that more hygienic and nutritious fruits, vegetables, cereals, and spices reach more households.