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Paswan for rise of agri-tech startups from Bastar, Baramati and Bhuj
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Saturday, 31 May, 2025, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
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Abhitash Singh, Mumbai
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With an ambitious vision to transform India’s post-harvest ecosystem, Union Minister for Food Processing Industries, Chirag Paswan, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to building a robust cold chain infrastructure across the country under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana (PMKSY).
Speaking to FnB News, the Minister shared insights into the recently launched nationwide call for proposals under the cold chain and value addition infrastructure scheme, inviting entrepreneurs, startups, and agro-industrial firms to set up cold chain projects.
Paswan said, “We are not just funding infrastructure we are building India’s cold chain backbone. This is about giving Indian farmers the confidence that their produce will not rot before it reaches the market or the processing unit.”
The revised guidelines issued on May 22, 2025, aim to streamline the project approval process, boost participation from emerging entrepreneurs, and promote regional balance in infrastructure development. The online application window, now open at https://www.sampada-mofpi.gov.in, will accept proposals until July 26, 2025.
Paswan emphasised the need for tech-enabled, sustainable cold chain solutions in Tier 2 and Tier 3 regions. He noted that the ministry will prioritise projects that focus on underserved geographies, backward districts, and tribal belts.
“This initiative is not just an investment in logistics; it’s an investment in rural prosperity and agro-entrepreneurship. We want to see FPOs and agri-tech startups rise from places like Bastar, Baramati, Bhagalpur, and Bhuj,” added Paswan.
Ministry officials indicated that financial assistance would cover a broad range of infrastructure, from pre-cooling and reefer vans to integrated pack-houses and value-addition units.
The industry has responded positively, with many terming the cold chain scheme a “game-changer” in reducing food waste and stabilising farm incomes.
This renewed push comes as part of MoFPI’s wider goal to double India’s food processing capacity and increase farmer access to markets by 2027.
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