India has witnessed a significant development in the food processing industry with around 30 companies, including 22 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), actively participating in the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for manufacturing millet-based products. This initiative is spearheaded by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries.
The PLI for Millet Based Products (PLISMBP) scheme, approved in August, is a strategic move to promote the utilization of millets in Ready to Cook/Ready to Eat (RTC/RTE) products. The scheme, which is part of the broader PLI Scheme for the Food Processing Industries (PLIFPI), has been allocated an outlay of Rs 1,000 crores. This fund is derived from the savings of other segments of the main PLIFPI. One of the key features of the PLISMBP scheme is its requirement for a minimum of 15 percent millet content in the approved food products. This condition aligns with the government’s vision of fostering a healthier and more sustainable food ecosystem in India.
Moreover, the Ministry of Food Processing Industries has highlighted the success of the broader PLIFPI scheme. Under various categories of this scheme, 176 proposals have been approved, leading to the release of approximately Rs. 584.30 crore in incentives. This demonstrates the government’s commitment to supporting initiatives that boost the growth of the food processing sector in India, especially those that contribute to the promotion of nutritious and sustainable food options like millets.
These efforts not only contribute to the diversification and innovation in the food processing industry but also support the MSME sector, playing a crucial role in India’s economic development.
This development reflects a strategic shift towards more nutritious and sustainable food practices, while also bolstering the food processing industry and supporting MSMEs in the country.