India Launches Millet-Focused Initiative to Boost Food Processing Industry
The Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) has unveiled its five-year Production Linked Incentive Scheme for the Food Processing Industry (PLISFPI), spanning from FY 2021-22 to FY 2026-27. A significant aspect of this initiative is its focus on Millet-Based Products, with a dedicated outlay of Rs. 800 crores, aligning with the observed International Year of Millets (IYOM). This scheme aims to increase the incorporation of millets into food products while encouraging value addition through incentives for the manufacturing and sale of select millet-based products in both domestic and international markets.
As of now, the PLISMBP component has successfully approved 29 applicants, establishing millet processing units across 45 locations in the country. Notably, one of these processing units is situated in the Mandla District of Madhya Pradesh.
Support for Startups and MSMEs
In a parallel effort to foster innovation in the agricultural sector, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has launched a new initiative named “BHARATI.” This initiative stands for Bharat’s Hub for Agritech, Resilience, Advancement, and Incubation for Export Enablement. It is designed to empower agri-food and agri-tech startups, hastening their development and encouraging them to explore new export opportunities.
Beyond the benefits of the PLISMBP, millet processing units are also permitted to take advantage of other MoFPI schemes. These include the Pradhan Mantri Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) and the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY), which further supports the growth of the food processing sector across India.
Incentives for MSMEs
The recent update shared by the Minister of State for Food Processing Industries, Shri Ravneet Singh, highlights that out of the total 169 applicants approved under the PLISFPI, 69 are categorized as Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). Additionally, 40 contract manufacturing units linked to the main approved applicants also belong to this MSME category, emphasizing the focus on supporting smaller enterprises in India’s food processing industry.
This collective effort by the MoFPI and APEDA reflects the government’s commitment to enhancing food processing capabilities and boosting millet production, thereby creating new opportunities for entrepreneurs and contributing to India’s agricultural innovation landscape.
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