Introduction

The Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) has issued Operational Scheme Guidelines on August 6, 2024, as part of the Cold Chain Scheme for setting up Irradiation Units. This initiative aims to reduce post-harvest losses, enhance food safety, and extend the shelf life of various food products.

Key Objectives of the Scheme

• To establish multi-product food irradiation units across the country.
• To promote the use of irradiation technology for preserving food products.
• To reduce post-harvest losses in the agricultural sector.
• To improve food safety and quality standards.
• To enhance the export potential of irradiated food products.

Eligibility Criteria

• Eligible Entities:
  • Individuals with a business interest in cold chain solutions and supply chain management.
  • Farmers Producer Organizations (FPOs)
  • Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs)
  • Non-government organizations (NGOs)
  • Public sector undertakings
  • Firms and Companies
• Project Location: Irradiation units can be set up in any part of India.
• Product Scope: The scheme primarily focuses on the fruit and vegetable sector for irradiation.

Financial Assistance

• The scheme offers financial assistance in the form of grants-in-aid.
• The grant amount varies based on the project location (general areas or difficult areas) and the category of the applicant (SC/ST, FPOs, etc.).
• The minimum net worth requirement for applicants is 1.5 times the grant-in-aid sought for general areas and equal to the grant-in-aid for difficult areas or proposals from SC/ST or FPOs.
• Grant in aid will be @35% of eligible project cost for project in general areas and @50% of eligible project cost for project in difficult area as well as for project of ( SC/ST) FPOs and SHGs, subject to the maximum of Rs 10 crore per project of the cost of plant & machinery(P&M) and technical civil works (T&W).

Project Components

• Irradiation Facility: Setting up a multi-product food irradiation facility with the required equipment and infrastructure.
• Pre- and Post-Irradiation Handling: Establishment of facilities for pre-irradiation sorting, grading, and packaging, as well as post-irradiation storage and distribution.
• Quality Control and Assurance: Implementation of stringent quality control and assurance measures to meet food safety standards.
• Human Resource Development: Training of personnel in irradiation technology and food safety.

Selection Process

• Interested applicants must submit project proposals as per the prescribed format.
• Proposals will be evaluated based on technical and financial feasibility, project impact, and adherence to guidelines.
• Selected projects will be provided with necessary approvals and financial assistance.

Monitoring and Evaluation

• Regular monitoring of the implemented projects will be conducted to assess progress and achievements.
• Evaluation of the scheme’s impact on post-harvest losses, food safety, and export promotion will be undertaken.

Implementation Schedule

• The project should be completed within 20 months in general areas and 24 months in North-East States, Himalayan States, ITDP Areas, and Islands from the date of sanction.

Benefits of Irradiation

• Extends shelf life of perishable products
• Reduces post-harvest losses
• Improves food safety by eliminating harmful microorganisms