Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) is implementing two Central Sector Schemes namely Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana (PMKSY) and Production Linked Incentive Scheme for Food Processing Industry (PLISFPI). Further, a Centrally sponsored scheme namely PM Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) scheme is also being implemented by MoFPI.

Under Capacity building component of the PMFME scheme, training is imparted for Entrepreneurship Development Skilling (EDP+) & product specific skilling to meet the requirement of food processing industry among all categories of Entrepreneur including SC/ST/OBC entrepreneurs.

MoFPI has not conducted any specific study in reaching out to and benefitting SC/ST/OBC entrepreneurs in food processing sector. However, under PMKSY and PMFME, 8.3% and 4.3% of allocated fund is earmarked for SC and ST category respectively. Further, the following preferential provisions have been made in component scheme guidelines of PMKSY for SC/ST category:

 

1. Net Worth requirement reduced to amount equal to grant sought, in comparison to 1.5 times for proposals from general areas;

 

2. Term Loan requirement reduced to 10% of eligible project cost, in comparison to 20% for proposals from general areas;

 

3. Equity requirement reduced to 10% of eligible project cost, in comparison to 20% for proposals from general areas;

 

4. Quantum of grant at enhanced level of 50% of eligible project cost, in comparison to 35% for proposals from general areas (Subject to the maximum ceiling under respective sub-schemes);

 

5. Requirement of minimum project cost reduced to Rupees One Crore, in comparison to rupees Three Crores in r/o Creation / Expansion of Food Processing & Preservation Capacities Scheme projects [for other component schemes, no such criteria is fixed]

 

This information was given by the Minister of State for Food Processing Industries Shri Ravneet Singh in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

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STK

(Release ID: 2150889)