Strengthening India's Onion Value Chain: How VCF-SC Enabled Khemanand Dudh - 31st July 2026 - Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment - Gazette Notification PDF
Issued by Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
Read or download the official PDF of this gazette notification issued by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment on 31st July 2026. Classified under Press Release.
Executive Summary & Key Takeaways
Executive Summary This report highlights the transformation of the onion value chain by Khemanand Dudh and Krishi Producer Company Limited through financial assistance from the Venture Capital Fund for Scheduled Castes (VCF-SC). In 2023, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment provided ₹12 crore to develop integrated post-harvest infrastructure across five locations in Maharashtra. The project has significantly enhanced farmer incomes, reduced post-harvest losses, and generated substantial rural employment.
Key Points / Main Content
Financial Assistance and Project Framework
- The enterprise received ₹12 crore in 2023 through the VCF-SC in the form of equity and optionally convertible debentures.
- The project was established under the PMKSY–Operation Greens Scheme with additional support from the Ministry of Food Processing Industries.
- Funding was utilized to strengthen post-harvest processing infrastructure and expand procurement capacity.
Infrastructure Development
- Integrated value chain projects are operational across five locations in Maharashtra.
- Key facilities include procurement centers, grading, sorting, and packaging units.
- The infrastructure features cold storage and a dehydration plant to manage the onion supply chain efficiently.
Operational and Economic Outcomes
- The company has built an efficient supply chain connecting farmers directly with institutional buyers and organized retail companies.
- The enterprise has achieved an annual revenue of ₹25.51 crore and increased its net worth to ₹30 crore.
- The project has resulted in the creation of ₹30 crore worth of productive rural assets.
Social and Agricultural Impact
- The initiative has reduced post-harvest losses and improved price realization for agricultural produce.
- The project promotes inclusive growth and entrepreneurship within the Scheduled Caste community.
- It demonstrates a successful model for driving equitable economic growth across rural economies.
Impact Analysis
Farmers Impact The project has expanded its network to nearly 8,000 farmers, providing them with better market access, reduced wastage, and improved price realization for their crops. Action Required Farmers are encouraged to utilize the integrated procurement and processing network to bypass traditional supply chain inefficiencies.
Khemanand Dudh and Krishi Producer Company Ltd. Impact The company transitioned into a major regional player with significant revenue growth, a strengthened net worth, and the ability to manage large-scale agricultural infrastructure. Action Required The company must continue to manage and expand its procurement and processing operations to maintain sustainable rural livelihoods.
Local Rural Workforce Impact The project has generated 30 direct jobs and approximately 2,000 indirect employment opportunities within the rural economy. Action Required The local workforce can engage with the various segments of the value chain, including grading, packaging, and facility management.
Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment Impact The success of this venture validates the VCF-SC model in fostering Scheduled Caste entrepreneurship and strengthening agricultural infrastructure. Action Required The Ministry continues to identify and support similar enterprises to drive nationwide equitable economic growth.