How to start a small primary processing unit for cleaning and grading?

A small primary processing unit for cleaning, sorting and grading is one of the easiest ways to add value, because you sell a cleaner, graded product at a better price instead of raw produce. Start by deciding the crop and the simple steps you will do: cleaning to remove dust, soil and trash, sorting out damaged pieces, grading by size or quality, and packing. Choose machinery to match your volume; you can begin with basic cleaners and graders and add capacity later, rather than buying large equipment that stays idle. You need a suitable shed, power, clean water and labour. Keep the place hygienic. If you process food meant for sale, you will usually need an FSSAI registration or licence depending on your scale, so plan for that early. Work out where you will sell the graded output and at what premium before you invest, so the unit actually pays. Subsidy support may be available through schemes like the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund and food processing schemes, so check those. Verify machinery sizing, FSSAI requirement for your scale, and applicable subsidy with your district industries centre, agriculture office and a bank.