Parliament Question: Proposals for APC from Kolhapur

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3129 ANSWERED ON 06TH AUGUST 2026 PROPOSALS FOR APC FROM KOLHAPUR

3129. SHRI SHAHU SHAHAJI CHHATRAPATI:

Will the Minister of FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES be pleased to state:

(a) the details of the number of Agro-Processing Cluster (APC) proposals received from Kolhapur tehsils/areas remain stuck in appraisal under Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY) and the time since these have been pending;

(b) the specific deficiencies or objections that have held up approval despite acute post-harvest losses in Kolhapur's sugarcane/jaggery economy;

(c) the details of the project including investment proposed, processing capacity, jobs promised and appraisal committee's last observations; and

(d) the details of immediate steps taken to address these inexplicable delays including fast- track timelines and officers accountability for farmer distress caused by processing gaps? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES (SHRI CHIRAG PASWAN)

(a) to (d): The Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) has been implementing the Scheme for Creation of Infrastructure for Agro Processing Clusters (APC) since 2017 as a component Scheme of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY). The APC Scheme aims to create modern infrastructure for food processing based on a cluster approach, reduce post- harvest losses, add value to agricultural produce, increase farmers' income and generate employment. The Scheme is demand driven and is not District/ State/ Product/ Sector specific.

The proposals are invited from prospective investors / entrepreneurs through Expressions of Interest (EoIs) issued by the Ministry from time to time, subject to availability of funds. At present, no EoI is open under the APC Scheme. Further, no proposal from Kolhapur is pending or remains under appraisal in the Ministry against the last EoI dated 14.05.2025.

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