The Ministry of Food Processing Industries revealed plans for a second round of the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme dedicated to the processing of millet-based foods in India. Speaking at an ICC event in Kolkata, Anita Praveen, Secretary in the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, disclosed that the scheme is currently in the approval stages and carries a substantial allocation of Rs 1,000 crore.
The inaugural phase of the PLI scheme, initiated in the previous fiscal year, witnessed enthusiastic participation, with 30 units applying for incentives. The initial scheme, worth Rs 800 crore, was completely subscribed, indicating the strong interest and demand in this sector. In light of this success, the Ministry is now gearing up to launch the second phase of the scheme, aiming to further bolster the millet-based food processing industry.
Praveen further elaborated that the government had allocated Rs 10,900 crore to support food processing units, with a dedicated Rs 800 crore set aside for millet-based products under the Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Microfood Processing Enterprises (PMFME) scheme. This scheme has extended assistance to over one lakh self-help groups (SHGs) operating in the food processing sector, promoting growth and development in this crucial area.
The primary objective of these initiatives is to promote millets as a popular and nutritious food choice across India and internationally. Millets have gained recognition as ‘superfoods’ due to their exceptional nutritional and health benefits. States like Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and the southern regions of India are the largest consumers of millets.
In addition to the central government’s support, the West Bengal government, through its Food Processing Industry Department, is also providing financial and technical assistance to millet-based food processing units. Emphasizing the health advantages of millet-based foods, Subrata Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary of the department, highlighted that these foods are gluten-free and have a low glycemic index, making them suitable for individuals with diabetes.
As India continues to promote the cultivation and processing of millets, these initiatives are expected to contribute to both the growth of the food processing industry and the adoption of healthier dietary choices among the Indian populace.