PLI Scheme for Food Processing Sector Creates 2.5 Lakh Jobs
- PLI scheme for food processing
- Rs 7,000 crore investments attracted
- Over 2.5 lakh jobs created
- 1,600 projects funded by MoFPI
The Centre’s Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for the food processing sector has attracted investments worth Rs 7,000 crore and generated over 2.5 lakh jobs so far, according to a senior official from the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI).
Addressing the FICCI ‘Foodworld India’ event, Ranjit Singh, Joint Secretary at MoFPI, said the ministry has funded nearly 1,600 projects that have created a food processing capacity of 41 lakh tonnes and benefited close to nine lakh farmers.
Singh emphasized the critical role food processing plays in agricultural diversification, value addition, and reducing post-harvest losses. He noted that the sector also helps create surpluses for export markets, enhancing India’s position as a global food basket.
Highlighting the untapped potential of the Indian farm sector, Singh stated, “Domestic manufacturing, supported by enabling government policies and targeted interventions, can drive India towards self-reliance in food production”.
He underscored the need to continuously upgrade processing, packaging, storage, and distribution infrastructure to meet both domestic and international standards, thereby boosting demand for Indian food products globally.
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Singh also elaborated on various initiatives undertaken by the ministry, including the Kisan Sampada Yojana. This umbrella scheme supports the development of cold chains, agro-processing clusters, food testing laboratories, and research and development in the sector.
Additionally, the Prime Minister’s Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) scheme has been instrumental in promoting infrastructure, innovation, and entrepreneurship across the country. Over the past five years, PMFME has supported nearly two lakh micro-enterprises through credit-linked subsidies and infrastructure creation, enabling many small businesses to scale up to medium-sized enterprises.
These combined efforts are strengthening the food processing ecosystem and contributing to job creation and farmer welfare nationwide.
