PLI scheme for food processing attracts Rs. 9,207 crore investment

The government has said that the Production Linked Incentive scheme for Food Processing Industries has drawn a cumulative investment of about ?9,207 crore from approved applicants as of December 31, 2025. 

According to Minister of State for Food Processing Industries Ravneet Singh, the scheme has helped create around 35 lakh metric tonnes per annum of processing and preservation capacity. So far, incentives worth ?2,714.79 crore have been disbursed under the initiative.

Out of 168 approved applicants, 69 fall under the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises category. Additionally, 40 contract manufacturing units linked to the main applicants also belong to MSMEs. Among the approved participants, two are cooperatives, two are in the innovative food products segment and 13 operate in the organic sector.

The scheme aims to develop global food manufacturing champions, promote Indian food brands overseas, generate off-farm employment opportunities and ensure better returns for farmers. Incentives are available only when the entire manufacturing chain — including primary processing — takes place within India. Support is also provided for branding and marketing of products abroad.

Meanwhile, exports of processed food products from India have grown over the past three years. Major destinations include the United States, United Arab Emirates, Bangladesh, Libya, Sudan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Somalia, Thailand and Tanzania. 

The government has also approved the Export Promotion Mission to strengthen export competitiveness and provide targeted support to exporters.

According to the Economic Survey 2025-26, India has the potential to reach $100 billion in combined exports of agriculture, marine products and food and beverages within the next four years.

With inputs from IANS