How Many Jobs Has the PLI for Food Processing Industries Created?
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Synopsis
The PLI scheme for food processing is making waves, having generated over 3.39 lakh jobs while enhancing food processing capacity in India. Discover how initiatives like ODOP are fostering regional growth and increasing exports in this insightful article.
Key Takeaways
- 3.39 lakh jobs created through the PLI scheme.
- Food processing capacity increased by 35.00 lakh MT per annum.
- Approved investments total Rs 9,207 crore.
- 726 districts engaged in the ODOP initiative.
- Export growth of agricultural processed foods at 13.23% CAGR.
New Delhi, Dec 12 (NationPress) The Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for food processing industries (PLISFPI) has successfully generated approximately 3.39 lakh direct and indirect job opportunities, as reported in Parliament on Friday.
The Minister of State for Food Processing Industries, Ravneet Singh, stated that 170 applications have been sanctioned across various categories of the PLISFPI until September 2025.
He noted, "The scheme has contributed to an enhancement in the food processing capacity of 35.00 lakh MT per annum in the country," during a written response to a question in the Rajya Sabha.
Incentives under the PLISFPI are applicable where the complete manufacturing process, including primary processing of the food products, occurs within India.
As per the minister, the total export of agricultural processed food products approved under the PLISFPI has experienced a CAGR of 13.23% from 2019-20 to 2024-25.
The PLISFPI has attracted a cumulative investment of Rs 9,207 crore from approved applicants, as shared in a previous Parliament session. Furthermore, 25 mega food parks have been authorized by the ministry and are currently in operation throughout the nation, as mentioned by Union Food Processing Industries Minister Chirag Paswan in a Lok Sabha response.
The Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) is also executing a centrally sponsored scheme named PM Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) aimed at offering financial, technical, and business support for the establishment and upgrading of micro food processing units across the country. This initiative primarily follows the One District One Product (ODOP) strategy, focusing on balanced regional development nationwide.
Under the ODOP initiative, at least one product is chosen, branded, and promoted from each district to facilitate comprehensive socio-economic growth across regions. The states and union territories have selected products based on the existing ecosystem in the districts, with approvals granted for 726 districts across 35 states/UTs under this scheme.
Point of View
It is vital to recognize that the PLI for food processing is not just a job creation initiative; it is a strategic move towards enhancing India’s self-sufficiency in food production and export. By focusing on local economies and promoting regional products, the scheme fosters a holistic growth model that supports sustainable development across the nation.
NationPress
12/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the PLI scheme for food processing?
The PLI scheme for food processing industries aims to incentivize domestic manufacturing, create jobs, and enhance overall food processing capacity in India.
How many jobs has the PLI scheme generated?
The PLI scheme has generated approximately 3.39 lakh direct and indirect employment opportunities.
What is the ODOP initiative?
The One District One Product (ODOP) initiative focuses on promoting one unique product from each district to drive regional development and economic growth.
What is the investment made under the PLI scheme?
A cumulative investment of Rs 9,207 crore has been made by the approved applicants under the PLI scheme for food processing.
How has the export of agricultural processed food products changed?
The export of agricultural processed food products has increased with a CAGR of 13.23% from 2019-20 to 2024-25.
