Post-Harvest Management Initiatives under MIDH and PMKSY

Introduction 

Post-Harvest Management Initiatives under MIDH and PMKSY are programmes by the Government of India to reduce losses of agricultural and horticultural produce after harvest, and improve income for farmers and related groups. The problem they address is big: large portions of fruits, vegetables, cereals and pulses are lost due to poor storage, handling, transport and lack of cold chain and packing facilities.

The Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) was launched in 2014-15 by the Government of India. Its aim is holistic growth of the horticulture sector – including production, marketing, processing and especially post-harvest infrastructure such as cold storages, pack houses, ripening chambers, transport etc.

Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY) began in 2016-17 under the Ministry of Food Processing Industries. It supports development of processing and preservation units and the cold chain to give better value to produce, reduce wastage, and improve returns to farmers.

Target groups include small or marginal farmers, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), Self Help Groups (SHGs), cooperatives, entrepreneurs and public/private service providers eligible under scheme rules.

In plain terms, these initiatives are about making sure crops don’t rot between farm and market. They provide help (grants/subsidies, technical support) so that people in agriculture can get better storage, chilling, packing, and transport. That means less waste, better quality, more profit.

Overview of the Scheme

The Post-Harvest Management Initiatives under MIDH (Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture) and PMKSY (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana) are jointly run by the Government of India. MIDH is implemented through the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, while PMKSY is run by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries. These are central government schemes covering all of India, with state horticulture / agriculture departments (State Horticulture Missions), SHMs, SBDA / NLAs, and sometimes other state line departments as implementing agencies.

Funding Pattern:

• Under MIDH, projects in general (plain) areas get 35% subsidy (credit-linked back-ended) of project cost for post-harvest infrastructure; in Hilly / Scheduled / NE / tribal / difficult areas the subsidy is higher ‒ 50%.
• For PMKSY’s “Cold Chain Infrastructure and Value Addition” component, grants-in-aid are similarly ~ 35% in general areas, and up to 50% in difficult or special areas.
• In MIDH the State + Central share for many horticulture developmental components is 60:40 in most states; in NE / Himalayan etc. this may differ.

Coverage / Components:
These initiatives include:

• Pack Houses / Integrated Pack Houses; Pre-cooling units; Cold Rooms; Ripening Chambers; Refrigerated Transport (Reefer vehicles)
• Cold Storage Type I & II; Mobile Pre-cooling units; Solar / energy-efficient cold rooms; Low-cost storage structures (e.g. onion/garlic)
• Value addition / minimal processing / primary processing units; supply chain and integrated cold chain / preservation infrastructure under PMKSY for reducing losses and improving returns to farmers.

Current Status:

• MIDH guidelines were revised / re-operationalized in 2025 (the Operational Guidelines 2025) to include updated cost norms and subsidy patterns for post-harvest infrastructure.
• PMKSY’s Cold Chain & Value Addition projects: as of 30 June 2025, about 1601 total projects approved under PMKSY, 1133 of them completed/operational, with ~Rs. 5,365.32 crores in grants, capacity addition of 255.66 lakh metric tonnes per annum, and benefiting over 34.15 lakh farmers.

Tiny example to show how this plays out:
A farmer-producer group in a hilly state wants to build a cold storage plus ripening chamber for fruits. Under MIDH, because it’s hilly, they can get ~50% subsidy for project costs. Under PMKSY, they may also receive grant-in-aid (35-50%) under the cold chain component. They work via their State Horticulture Mission and fulfil eligibility norms.

Objectives 

• Promote holistic growth of the horticulture sector by including post‐harvest management, processing and marketing alongside production, adapted to each State’s agro-climatic conditions.
• Reduce post-harvest losses by creating infrastructure like cold chains, pack-houses, ripening chambers, storage units and refrigerated transport.
• Increase farmers’ income and improve nutritional security by helping them get better returns from their produce.
• Support aggregation (grouping) of farmers via FPOs, SHGs, cooperatives etc., so they can benefit from scale in accessing post-harvest infrastructure.
• Enable value addition and preservation of agriculture/horticulture produce through processing, packaging, preservation facilities to extend shelf life of perishables.
• Facilitate development of an uninterrupted cold chain from the farm gate to the consumer to improve supply chain efficiency.
• Strengthen skill development, capacity building and employment opportunities (especially rural youth) in post-harvest management and related technologies.

Key Features / Benefits 

Subsidy for Post-Harvest Infrastructure
Offers financial help (grant/subsidy) for creating infrastructure such as cold storages, pack-houses, ripening chambers, and refrigerated transport to reduce losses after harvest. (Example: under MIDH, a cold storage in a hilly area may get ~50% subsidy of project cost; in general areas ~35%.)

Higher Support in Special / Hilly / Tribal Areas
Provides higher subsidy rates for projects in regions like North-Eastern states, Himalayan states, tribal regions, Scheduled Areas, etc., to address logistic challenges and higher costs.

Support for Value Addition & Supply Chain Efficiency
Enables setting up facilities for sorting, grading, packaging, preserving, and cold chain to improve produce quality and marketability. This helps farmers get better returns.

Assistance is Entrepreneur- / Demand-Driven
Any eligible farmer, FPO, SHG, co-operative or entrepreneur can apply; the scheme responds to demand rather than being fixed by region.

Grant-in-Aid + Credit-Linked Back-Ended Subsidy
Schemes provide grant support and in many cases subsidy is disbursed after investment (back-ended), often linked with credit or loans.

Inclusion of Special Beneficiary Groups
The schemes ensure earmarking of targets for SC/ST, women, beneficiaries in Vibrant Villages, tribal sub-plan areas etc., so these groups also benefit from subsidies and infrastructure assistance.

Promotion of Modern, Energy-Efficient & Sustainable Technology
Under PMKSY, eligible projects include use of non-ODS low Global Warming Potential refrigerants, renewable or alternate energy (solar, biomass etc.), eco-friendly packaging, sustainable cold chain designs.

Large-Scale Impact & Job Creation
Significant number of projects approved and completed; creation of large preservation/processing capacity; benefits to farmers; generation of employment.

Uniform Nationwide Eligibility
Eligible entities from across India (all states) can apply for benefits under these schemes, not limited to a few areas, subject to meeting scheme norms.

Quality & Regulatory Norms Enforced
Projects under PMKSY must comply with environmental / pollution control norms (e.g., consent to operate from State Pollution Board), technical specifications, and proper packaging / safety / food quality measures.

Eligibility Criteria 

Farmers (Individuals)

• Must be a landowner in the State where applying, or have a registered lease agreement (duration varies: 10 years for seasonal/non-project activities; 15 years for project-based activities).
• Must cultivate horticultural crops as per GOI norms.
• Must have an assured source of irrigation (tube-well / water tank with engine) for plantation components.
• Not a minor; adult, legally recognized individual.

Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Cooperatives, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs)

• Must be registered and active. (Registration under relevant state / national law). MIDH mentions promotion of SHGs / FPOs / Cooperatives for allocation of targets and eligibility.
• Must comply with scheme norms (e.g., for subsidy / infrastructure components).

Entrepreneurs / Startups / MSMEs

• Registered business entity, or eligible entrepreneur with proper registration documents (as per relevant laws / State / Central requirements). For PMKSY, entities / applicants under “integrated cold chain and value addition” components must submit DPRs (Detailed Project Reports).
• Must follow technical / environmental / regulatory norms (e.g. land, pollution consents, GST / UDYAM if applicable under general MSME norms). (While specific requirements for UDYAM are not always directly spelled out in all guidelines, documents / registration are mandatory in many states.)

Special / Preferential Categories

• Women, SC / ST, beneficiaries in Vibrant Villages, Tribal Sub Plan (TSP), North-Eastern states, Himalayan states, Hilly and Scheduled Areas, Andaman & Nicobar & Lakshadweep get higher subsidy / priority in target allocation.
• Applicants from these areas may need to meet additional conditions specific to such zones (same basic eligibility, but benefit rates differ).

Not Eligible / Exclusions

• Applicants who have already received assistance under the same component for the same purpose / infrastructure previously (in some states) are not eligible again.
• Projects / components outside the approved list (non-horticulture crops, non-approved post-harvest infrastructure) are not eligible.

Mandatory Documents

These are often required to prove eligibility, identity, ownership, and project details:

• Aadhar Card (or other valid identity proof) to establish identity and residency.
• Land ownership proof (e.g. Pattadar Pass Book), or registered lease agreement if applicable.
• Bank account details / passbook (for subsidy / grant transfers) and possibly loan documents if credit-linked.
• Detailed Project Report (DPR) when applying for project-based / infrastructure components.
• Quotations / bills from empanelled / registered firms for equipment or infrastructure proposals.

Application Process

1. Where to Apply
   • For PMKSY “Integrated Cold Chain & Value Addition Infrastructure” component, apply via the SAMPADA Portal: https://www.sampada-mofpi.gov.in
   • For MIDH post-harvest components, use the MIDH Suraksha Portal (once onboarded) or submit an application to the local Horticulture Office / District Horticulture Society (HO / DHSO) as per State/HO guidelines.
2. Registration / Login
   • Create an account on the relevant portal (e.g. SAMPADA for PMKSY, Suraksha for MIDH) with valid identity details.
   • For MIDH Suraksha, after “on-boarding” of the State, farmers / beneficiaries register their details via the portal.
3. Fill the Application Form
   • Provide beneficiary details: name, age, identity proof, address, contact.
   • Enter land / farm details: ownership or lease, land records, source of irrigation, crop type.
   • Choose the component / infrastructure you want (e.g. cold storage, pack-house, refrigerated transport).
   • Fill in bank info: bank account number, IFSC, bank branch. This is needed for subsidies / grant disbursement.
4. Upload / Submit Documents
   Documents usually required include:
   • Identity proof (e.g. AADHAAR)
   • Land ownership proof or lease agreement as required
   • Bank passbook / cancelled cheque or bank account details
   • Detailed Project Report (DPR) if applying for infrastructure / project-based component (especially under PMKSY)
   • Quotations / estimates for equipment/infrastructure as per scheme norms
   • Other state / scheme-specific documents if applicable.
5. Fee (if any)
   • Under PMKSY cold chain EoI, a non-refundable application fee may be required in some calls. (E.g. when invited proposals under SAMPADA were asked to include a DD / scanned copy of fee)
   • For MIDH general / small-scale post-harvest components, usually no application fee is mentioned explicitly in guidelines. (Always check state guidelines.)
6. Acknowledgment / Application ID
   • After form submission, the portal (SAMPADA or Suraksha) should generate an Application ID or Serial Number / Receipt. This helps track the status.
7. Verification & Field Inspection
   • Local HO / DHSO / District Horticulture Officer will check the documents & verify land ownership, source of irrigation, etc.
   • Field / site inspection may be done to ensure project feasibility and correctness of proposed location / infrastructure.
8. Approval & Release of Assistance
   • Once verified, applications go through sanctioning authorities (e.g. State Level Sanctioning Committee / State Level Executive Committee for MIDH; MoFPI / relevant committees for PMKSY) under approved subsidy norms.
   • Assistance (subsidy / grant) is released to the beneficiary’s bank account via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) or to the loan account (if credit-linked) or reimbursed as per scheme norm.
9. Offline or Local Office Route (if applicable)
   • If the portal isn’t yet operational in your State, visit your local Horticulture Department Office / District Horticulture Society (DHSO) / HO with filled form + documents. Officials there accept paper applications and enter them into the system.
   • Some States issue notices inviting offline applications for “Post-Harvest Management & Marketing Infrastructure” under MIDH via the Directorate of Horticulture.
10. Timeline
    • Under MIDH, HO / DHSO should forward recommendations to the District Horticulture office within 3 days of receipt of application.
    • For sanction under HO / DHSO, usually 7-14 days after application is forwarded and verified, subject to complete documents and inspection.

Tips to Avoid Common Mistakes

• Make sure the name on identity proof, land records, bank account all match exactly. Discrepancies can delay approval.
• Submit all required documents in correct format (scanned, legible), especially DPR / quotations for infrastructure. Incomplete uploads cause rejection.
• Check the deadline of the application call (EoI or portal open window) and apply well before it closes. Some PMKSY calls have strict cut-offs.
• For lease lands / non-owner situations, ensure lease agreements are properly registered for required duration (e.g. 10 or 15 years), as per scheme norms.

Challenges or Limitations 

Even though these initiatives create valuable opportunities, applicants often run into a few common challenges. Knowing them in advance helps avoid unnecessary delays.

• Challenge: Document mismatch during verification
  Many applications get delayed because the name on Aadhaar, land records, and bank details doesn’t match.
  What to do: Double-check all documents before submission. If needed, update records with your bank or local office so they align.
• Challenge: Delays in field inspection
  Site visits by horticulture or agriculture officers sometimes take time, especially in peak seasons.
  What to do: Follow up politely with your District Horticulture Office. Keeping your mobile number active and address clearly marked helps officers locate the site quickly.
• Challenge: Limited budget availability
  Subsidies under MIDH and PMKSY are released within the approved budget. If funds run out, applications may be pushed to the next cycle.
  What to do: Apply as early as possible in the financial year. Submitting a complete form increases chances of getting covered in the current budget.
• Challenge: Seasonal application windows
  Some post-harvest components are announced only during certain crop seasons or under specific calls for proposals.
  What to do: Regularly check the official portals and notices. Keep a ready folder of documents so you can apply as soon as the window opens.
• Challenge: Complex requirements for larger infrastructure projects
  Projects like cold storage or pack houses often need a Detailed Project Report (DPR) and multiple approvals.
  What to do: Seek help from an approved consultant or your state horticulture department. Using standard DPR templates available on portals saves time.
• Challenge: Rejection due to incomplete or unclear documents
  Low-quality scans, missing signatures, or leaving mandatory fields blank are common mistakes.
  What to do: Scan documents clearly, preferably in PDF. Cross-verify every section before submitting, and keep both digital and physical copies ready.
• Challenge: Coordination between state and central agencies
  MIDH is state-implemented while PMKSY has central oversight. This sometimes causes longer approval timelines.
  What to do: Track your application ID regularly. Stay in touch with your local horticulture office, which usually has the latest updates.
• Challenge: Limited awareness of offline support
  Some farmers and SHGs don’t know they can apply offline through their District Horticulture Office when the portal is not available.
  What to do: If online access is difficult, visit the nearest horticulture or agriculture office. Officials there can guide you on forms and deadlines.

Government Support & Future Outlook 

Linkages & Convergence

• The MIDH Operational Guidelines 2025 explicitly state that MIDH will work in convergence with other schemes towards the development of all horticulture crops. This includes coordination with RKVY (Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana) for inputs, processing, and marketing.
• The PMKSY scheme under MoFPI also aligns with PMFME (Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises) and PLISFPI (Production Linked Incentive Scheme for Food Processing Industry). Through these schemes, processing, preservation, cold-chains and value-addition efforts are amplified.
• MIDH guidelines note that State Horticulture Missions receive technical and administrative support to ensure horticulture-activities funded by RKVY are aligned (extension, post-harvest infrastructure etc.).

The Road Ahead & Recent Updates

• Budget / Scheme Update: For PMKSY, a total outlay of ₹5,520 crore has been allocated for 2021-22 to 2025-26.
• Project Status: As of 30 June 2025, under PMKSY, 1,134 food processing projects are approved, including 395 cold chain projects.
• Scheme Refresh: MIDH’s guidelines have been updated in December 2024 (“Operational Guidelines 2025”) outlining newer norms, cost assistance patterns, and sharper convergence strategies.

Practical Example

Here’s one way a farmer / FPO might benefit from convergence:

• Suppose an FPO wants to set up a cold storage facility for perishable horticulture crops. Under PMKSY, they could get subsidies / grants for the cold chain infrastructure.
• At the same time, under PMFME, they might get support for micro-enterprises: for training, improvements in packaging, marketing, possibly assistance for branding.
• Meanwhile, through MIDH + RKVY, they might get further help with input support (like better planting material or drip irrigation), extension services, or even matching funds / administrative assistance so their project fits state action plans.

This convergence means less duplication, more support from multiple angles, and potentially higher returns.

Conclusion 

The Post-Harvest Management Initiatives under MIDH and PMKSY play a key role in reducing losses, adding value, and improving the income security of farmers, FPOs, SHGs, and agri-entrepreneurs. By supporting infrastructure such as cold chains, pack houses, and processing units, the scheme ensures that perishable produce reaches markets in better condition and at fair prices. The main beneficiaries are small and medium farmers, women’s groups, and rural enterprises who gain access to subsidies, training, and market linkages. If you wish to apply, start by checking eligibility on the official portals (midh.gov.in / pmksy.gov.in), gather required documents, and reach out to your District Horticulture or Agriculture Office for guidance. Always verify the latest details on government portals or helplines before making decisions, as norms and funding patterns can change. 

Explore detailed resources on this scheme and the full suite of programmes at ALL ABOUT AGRICULTURE. For one-on-one assistance, call us at +91 8484002620.