Patna: The state govt has invited applications under the Pulse Processing Unit Establishment Scheme, offering a subsidy of up to Rs 25 lakh for setting up new pulse processing units in 10 districts. Applications can be submitted online till August 31 under the scheme, which is being implemented as part of the Mission for Self-Reliance in Pulses.According to a press release issued by the agriculture department on Sunday, beneficiaries will receive a subsidy of 33% of the project cost or a maximum of Rs 25 lakh, whichever is lower. The assistance will cover expenditure on plant and machinery, buildings, warehouses and storage infrastructure. However, land purchase, electricity connections, manpower and other operational expenses will not be eligible for support.The scheme is open to farmer producer organisations (FPOs), cluster-level federations (CLFs), primary agricultural credit societies (PACS), entrepreneurs, individual applicants and other registered entities. FPOs, CLFs and PACS must have been registered and operational for at least two years, while individual applicants must be at least 21 years old.Applicants will be required to contribute a minimum of 15% of the project cost and secure bank loan approval. The proposed units must have a minimum processing capacity of 300kg per hour, use BIS-certified machinery and obtain an FSSAI licence.Beneficiaries will have to operate and maintain the units for at least three years. The subsidy amount will be transferred through the DBT system after completion of the project and verification by the authorities.The scheme is being implemented in Patna, Nalanda, Aurangabad, Muzaffarpur, Lakhisarai, Supaul, Bhagalpur, Sitamarhi, Jehanabad and Gaya districts.
