Which description best captures the intended impact of SAMPADA on the agro-processing sector?

• A. Encourage non-agricultural sectors only.
• B. Create manufacturing employment and promote domestic processing.
• C. Eliminate processing units.
• D. Increase dependence on imports.

Answer: (B)

SAMPADA is about building capacity for agro-processing within the country, enabling value addition and stronger, more efficient supply chains. The best description is that it creates manufacturing employment and promotes domestic processing. By supporting infrastructure like mega food parks and integrated processing clusters, it provides the facilities, technology, and policies needed for turning farm produce into packaged, market-ready products here at home. This emphasis on manufacturing work and domestic processing helps reduce post-harvest losses, strengthens value chains, and can meet domestic demand without relying on imports. It does not aim to push non-agricultural sectors, shut down processing units, or increase dependence on imports.