“Navigating the Government Connect: Unlock Grants, Subsidies, Policy Alignment & Zero-Cost Growth Opportunities”
Budget 2025-26: MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE; DEMAND NO. 1; Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare…
7. Distribution of Pulses to State / Union Territories for Welfare Schemes:..The scheme for distribution of chana procured under Price Support Scheme (PSS) & Price Stabilization Fund (PSF) to States / UTs at discounted rate for utilization under various welfare schemes like Mid-day Meal (MDM), Integrated Child Development Service (ICDS), Public Distribution System (PDS) etc. was implemented from October, 2022 to 31st March, 2024. The objective of the scheme was to dispose off the chana procured under PSS by way of utilization under various welfare schemes
Part 1: Salient Features (2025-26)
• Target Commodities: Chana (primary), potentially expanded to tur/urad
• Key Beneficiaries:
o Children (MDM, ICDS) → 12 crore+ daily beneficiaries
o PDS Households → 80 crore+ covered under NFSA
• Procurement-Distribution Linkage:
o NAFED/NCCF procure chana at MSP → Centre allocates to states at ₹25-30/kg (vs. market ₹50-55/kg)
• Scale:
o 5-7 LMT chana annually diverted to welfare schemes
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Part 2: Startup Opportunities
1. Smart Supply Chain for Nutrient Retention
Opportunity:
• IoT-enabled fortified chana packaging (e.g., zinc-coated bags to reduce protein loss during storage/transport)
Alignment:
• Ensures nutritional integrity for ICDS/MDM beneficiaries
2. AI-Driven Demand Matching
Opportunity:
• Predictive analytics platform to align chana allocations with state-wise MDM/ICDS demand patterns
Alignment:
• Reduces wastage (current 8-12% in PDS supply chains)
3. Vernacular Awareness Platforms
Opportunity:
• Gamified apps/SMS campaigns to educate SHGs/Anganwadi workers on chana-based recipes
Alignment:
• Boosts utilization rates in welfare schemes
4. Blended Food Innovation
Opportunity:
• Startup partners with NAFED to produce ready-to-cook chana mixes (e.g., chana-sattu packets for MDM)
Alignment:
• Adds value to buffer stocks while meeting PM POSHAN 2.0 guidelines
5. Blockchain for Subsidy Tracking
Opportunity:
• End-to-end traceability from procurement → state warehouses → beneficiary
Alignment:
• Prevents leakage/diversion of subsidized chana
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Part 3: Founder’s Action Plan
1. Fortified Packaging Solution
• Step 1: Pilot with FCI’s Karnataka warehouses (high chana spoilage rates)
• Step 2: Monetize via per-kg preservation fee (₹0.20/kg saved from spoilage)
2. Demand Matching Platform
• Step 1: Integrate with POSHAN Tracker for real-time ICDS demand data
• Step 2: Sell SaaS to State Food Departments
3. Ready-to-Cook Blends
• Step 1: Partner with CSIR-CFTRI for shelf-stable formulations
• Step 2: Supply through Women SHGs under PMFME scheme
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Cross-Cutting Strategies
• Regulatory: Get listed as NAFED’s "Innovation Partner" for pulses utilization
• Funding: Access PMFME’s ₹10L-50L grants for food processing tech
• Pilots: Target high-malnutrition districts (e.g., Jharkhand, Odisha)
Pro Tip: Position solutions as "Nutrition Security Multipliers" to access PM POSHAN 2.0 funds.
