The government has extended major support measures to Farmers Producers Organisations (FPOs) under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana (PMKSY), a central sector demand-driven scheme open for applicants across India, including Hazaribagh and Koderma districts of Jharkhand.
As per a written reply in Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Food Processing Industries Ravneet Singh informed that applications are invited through Expression of Interest (EoI) and funds are not allocated on a state-wise basis.
FPOs will receive special financial incentives, including 50% grant-in-aid on eligible project cost, compared to 35% for general categories. Under the Food Safety and Quality Assurance Infrastructure scheme, the subsidy for FPOs goes up to 70%, against 50% for others.
The eligibility norms have also been eased, requiring only 10% equity contribution and loan component, instead of 20% applicable to other applicants. The net-worth requirement for FPOs will be equal to the grant amount, unlike 1.5 times for general category applicants.
