<h4>Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY)</h4><p>The <strong>Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY)</strong> is a <strong>central sector umbrella scheme</strong> spearheaded by the <strong>Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI)</strong>. Its primary objective is to significantly reduce <strong>food loss and waste</strong> across India.</p><p>This is achieved through the development of a robust <strong>food processing and preservation infrastructure</strong>, ensuring efficiency from farm to fork.</p><div class="key-point-box"><strong>PMKSY's Core Aim:</strong> To create modern infrastructure with efficient supply chain management from farm gate to retail outlet, thereby reducing post-harvest losses and enhancing value addition.</div><h4>Key Components of PMKSY</h4><ul><li><strong>Cold Chain, Value Addition & Preservation Infrastructure:</strong> This component focuses on establishing integrated <strong>cold chain infrastructure</strong>, alongside advanced preservation and value addition facilities. The goal is to minimise <strong>post-harvest losses</strong> of perishable produce.</li><li><strong>Mega Food Parks:</strong> These parks aimed to streamline food processing and distribution by providing a common infrastructure facility. However, the <strong>Government of India discontinued this component in April 2021</strong>.</li><li><strong>Agro Processing Clusters:</strong> This initiative promotes the establishment of localised <strong>food processing units</strong>. These clusters are designed to reduce food wastage at the local level and enhance the efficiency of local supply chains.</li></ul><h4>Other Initiatives to Combat Food Loss and Waste</h4><p>Beyond PMKSY, several other significant initiatives contribute to India's efforts to tackle food loss and waste.</p><ul><li><strong>Operation Greens:</strong> This scheme provides <strong>credit-linked financial aid</strong> in the form of grants-in-aid or subsidies. This support is extended for establishing <strong>food processing projects</strong>, which in turn leads to the creation of essential food processing and preservation infrastructure facilities. Initially focused on <strong>TOP (Tomato, Onion, Potato)</strong>, it was later expanded to include other fruits and vegetables.</li><li><strong>Save Food, Share Food, Share Joy (FSSAI):</strong> Led by the <strong>Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)</strong>, this initiative is a collaborative effort. It brings together various stakeholders to prevent food loss and waste throughout the entire supply chain. A crucial aspect is its role in facilitating the <strong>safe distribution of surplus food</strong> to those in need.</li></ul>