State Nodel Agency

Punjab Agro Industries Corporation Limited (PAIC) Plot No. 2-A, Madhya Marg, Sector 28-A, Chandigarh-160 002 was incorporated in 1966 with the objective to provide quality agri inputs viz. fertilizers, pesticides and tractors to farmers. In early 1980s, PAIC diversified its activities and ventured into promotion of food processing projects in public sector. Later, the State Government mandated PAIC to promote such projects in joint/assisted sector in financial collaboration with private entrepreneurs. Till 2006, PAIC implemented 44 projects in public/joint/assisted sectors with an aggregate investment of Rs.705 Cr. including PAIC’s equity capital of Rs. 69 Cr. In view of easy access of term loan/funds from financial institutions, PAIC was directed to invest its limited resource in food processing infrastructure, so that more entrepreneurs could take advantage of PAIC’s investment.  In this direction, PAIC has developed a Mega Food Park on 100 acres at Ladhowal, Ludhiana providing state-of-the-art infrastructure viz. cold chain, dry warehouse, common ETP, in-house power sub-station, administrative block, dormitories water supply system, solid waste treatment facility as well as pre-cleared industrial plots for the benefit and convenience of food processing entrepreneurs. PAIC also supplies fertilizer to farmers through its network of over 400 dealers spread across all districts of Punjab. PAIC is also into manufacturing & marketing of silage (animal feed).

 

PAIC was in June/July, 2020 designated as State Nodal Agency (SNA) to implement the new Centrally Sponsored ‘PM Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME)’ Scheme in Punjab. It is a 5-year scheme (2020-25) with total Outlay of Rs. 10,000 Cr for all States/UTs.  The outlay for Punjab is  Rs. 306 Cr. to be contributed by Govt. of India & Punjab Govt. in the ratio of 60:40. The main objective of the scheme is to enhance competitiveness of individual micro food processing enterprises as well as FPOs/SHGs/Producer Co-operatives and promote formalization of food processing sector. The target is to provide financial support to 7,373 micro enterprises upto 31.03.2025. PAIC has a dedicated State Project Management Unit (SPMU)  looking after the PMFME Scheme and Shri Kumar Amit, IAS, MD, PAIC is the State Nodal Officer.