Approximately 30 companies, including 22 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), are reaping the benefits of the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme aimed at the manufacturing of millet-based products in India. The Ministry of Food Processing Industries revealed that the Production-Linked Incentive for Millet-Based Products (PLISMBP) has successfully attracted companies, encouraging the utilization of millets in Ready to Cook/Ready to Eat (RTC/RTE) products, with an allocated budget of Rs. 1,000 crores.
The PLISMBP initiative, which was approved in August and is a carve-out from the savings of the main PLI Scheme for the Food Processing Industries (PLIFPI), is designed to stimulate the incorporation of a minimum of 15 percent millet content in approved food products. The move aims to promote the production and consumption of millet-based items, aligning with the government’s broader vision for a healthier and more sustainable food ecosystem.
The Ministry of Food Processing Industries shared that the participating companies, encompassing a mix of 30 entities with a significant representation from MSMEs, are actively engaged in promoting millet-based products under the PLISMBP scheme. This initiative is expected to drive innovation in the food processing industry, fostering the creation of diverse millet-infused offerings.
Highlighting the broader success of the PLIFPI, the ministry disclosed that under various categories, 176 proposals have been approved thus far, resulting in the release of approximately Rs. 584.30 crore in incentives. The government’s commitment to supporting initiatives that contribute to the growth of the food processing sector is evident in the effective implementation and positive outcomes of these production-linked incentive programs.