Rajasthan agro-processing and agri-marketing promotion policy – 2015 :

Objectives of the Policy : This policy endeavors to make Rajasthan the destination of choice for investors, processors both domestic and global. The policy is aimed at the following objectives:

•   To create supply chain infrastructure needed for agrov industrial development.  
• To encourage value addition in agriculture produce andv to reduce post harvest losses thereby increasing the income of farmers and delivering better quality products to consumers.
•  To create rural employment and improve the quality ofv life of rural people .
• To bring in new technologies and practices to modernizev agro processing and marketing.
•  To assist small scale agro based processing units tov remain competitive in global market.  
• To increase the export of value added agri-productsv from the State.
•   To accelerate a close interface among research,v extension, industries and farmer in agri-sector.

Scope and Coverage of the Policy :

The Policy will be applicable to new agro-processing and agri-marketing enterprises set up in the State and to existing agro-processing and/ or agri-marketing enterprises undergoing expansion and/ or for revival of sick enterprise.

Operative Period of the Policy :

`The policy shall remain in force up to 31st March 2019. 18.

Nodal Agency :

The Department of Agriculture would be the Nodal Department for the purpose of this Policy. The Rajasthan State Agriculture Marketing Board shall be the Nodal Agency for the implementation of this Policy.

Salient features of the Policy  :

The State Government has decided to adopt a two-pronged strategy for the promotion of agro-processing and agrimarketing in the State. Together, these steps should meet the requirements of the units in this sector and help in creating a favorable climate for investments in this sector. Firstly, this sector has been accorded the status of a Thrust Sector under the Rajasthan Investment Promotion Scheme, 2014 (RIPS 2014) and higher incentives and exemptions will now be available under RIPS 2014 to the units in this sector. Enterprises engaged in post-harvest crop activities and not having VAT/CST liability will be able to avail the benefit of 5% Interest Subsidy for 5 years. The enterprises engaged in manufacturing of cattle feed, poultry feed and fish feed shall also be entitled to avail the benefit of 5% interest subsidy for 5 years. Enterprises engaged in manufacturing and processing of agriculture/horticulture/animal products and having VAT/CST liability will be eligible for Investment Subsidy and Employment Generation Subsidy. Units with investment over Rs. 25 lacs have been made eligible for much higher levels of Investment Subsidy and Employment Generation Subsidy.

The threshold level for availing customized package of incentives & concessions has also been lowered significantly. Enterprises with investment of Rs. 100 crores or more or providing employment to at least 250 persons will now be eligible for availing customized package of incentives & concessions under RIPS 2014. For all the benefits under RIPS 2014 the Enterprise shall apply to the concerned Screening Committee in the manner as provided in RIPS 2014. Furthermore, to meet certain specific requirements of this sector and to provide incentives which are presently not available under RIPS 2014, the State Government has prepared the "Rajasthan Agro-Processing and AgriMarketing Promotion Scheme, 2015".

The following additional incentives will be admissible under this Policy:

A. Transport Subsidy on export of spices : Provision has been made not only for subsidy on surface transport to the ports but also for subsidy on marine transport. The maximum limit is Rs. 15 lacs per beneficiary / per year. This subsidy will be available for 3 years.

B. Subsidy for export of fruits and vegetables : This subsidy is available up to a maximum limit of Rs. 10 lacs per beneficiary / per year. This subsidy will also be available for 3 years.

 C. Transport subsidy for fruits and vegetables within the country : Subsidy will be admissible for transportation of fruits and vegetables beyond a distance of 300 Kms. The maximum limit is Rs. 15 lacs per beneficiary / per year. This subsidy will also be available for 3 years.

 D. Incentives for quality and certification : The following types of incentives will be available: i. Patent & Design registration: Up to a maximum of Rs, 2 lacs per beneficiary per year. ii. Quality certification: Up to Rs 2 lacs to each enterprise for each certification per year. iii. Sending agri-products for test marketing abroad: 40% of the actual cost subject to a maximum of Rs. 50000/- per beneficiary for one sample of one commodity to one country.

 E. Incentive for Research & Development : 50% of the cost of development of new prototype subject to a maximum of Rs. 20 lacs for each undertaking in a year.

F. Incentive for Project Development : 50% of the cost of development of the DPR ( Detailed Project Report ). Maximum Rs. 10 lacs during a period of 5 years. For all the benefits under Rajasthan Agro-Processing and Agri-Marketing Promotion Scheme, 2015 the Enterprise shall, depending on their classification, apply to one of the two Screening Committees provided for in this policy.

In order to promote investment in the Agro-processing and Agri-marketing sector in the state of Rajasthan, and to generate employment opportunities through such investment, the state Government of Rajasthan, in public interest, hereby issues “The Rajasthan Agro-Processing and Agri-Marketing Promotion Scheme 2015” (herein after called as Scheme). This Scheme shall be a part of policy and applicable to new agro-processing and agri-marketing enterprises, to existing agro-processing or agri-marketing enterprises undergoing expansion or revival of sick enterprise.