How has the PLI Scheme for Food Processing Sector Created 2.5 Lakh Jobs and Benefited Nine Lakh Farmers?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Discover how the Centre's PLI scheme for the food processing sector has generated significant investments and job opportunities while benefiting farmers across India. This initiative is reshaping the agricultural landscape, enhancing productivity, and paving the way for a self-reliant economy.
Key Takeaways
- Investment: Rs 7,000 crore attracted.
- Job Creation: Over 2.5 lakh jobs generated.
- Farmer Benefit: Approximately nine lakh farmers positively impacted.
- Projects Funded: Nearly 1,600 projects supported.
- Food Processing Capacity: 41 lakh tonnes created.
New Delhi, May 21 (NationPress) The Centre's production linked incentive (PLI) scheme for the food processing sector has effectively garnered investments amounting to Rs 7,000 crore and generated over 2.5 lakh jobs to date, as per a senior official from the Union Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI).
Ranjit Singh, joint secretary of MoFPI, shared, "So far, the ministry has supported nearly 1,600 projects, resulting in the establishment of 41 lakh tonnes of food processing capacity and benefiting approximately nine lakh farmers" during his speech at FICCI's 'Foodworld India' event.
He emphasized that food processing is crucial for agricultural diversification, value addition, minimizing post-harvest losses, and generating surpluses for exports.
Singh noted, "The vast, untapped potential of the Indian agricultural sector underscores the significant role that domestic manufacturing can play when adequately backed by effective government policies. With focused interventions, this sector can help India achieve self-reliance and become a global food hub."
He pointed out the importance of the food processing industry in enhancing the value of agricultural products and fostering positive demand for Indian goods in worldwide markets. "To unlock its full potential, we must persist in advancing processing, packaging, storage, and distribution to align with both domestic and international standards," he added.
Singh also mentioned that the MoFPI is executing various initiatives such as the Kisan Sampada Yojana, a comprehensive scheme aimed at developing cold chains, agro-processing clusters, food testing facilities, and supporting R&D in the sector. Additionally, the ministry is promoting the PM's formalisation of micro food processing enterprises (PMFME) scheme to bolster infrastructure development, innovation, and entrepreneurship in the food processing sector across the nation.
He remarked that these initiatives have significantly aided in transforming numerous small enterprises into medium-sized ones. Over the past five years, the PMFME scheme has assisted nearly two lakh micro enterprises through credit-linked subsidies and infrastructure development.
Point of View
It's clear that the PLI scheme is a pivotal move towards enhancing India's agricultural and food processing sectors. By focusing on domestic manufacturing and leveraging government support, we can expect significant strides in self-reliance and global competitiveness. This initiative not only brings economic growth but also uplifts the livelihoods of millions of farmers.
NationPress
01/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the PLI scheme for the food processing sector?
The PLI scheme aims to boost investments and job creation in the food processing sector, enhancing agricultural productivity and benefiting farmers.
How many jobs has the PLI scheme created?
The scheme has generated over 2.5 lakh jobs to date.
What investment has the PLI scheme attracted?
It has attracted investments totaling Rs 7,000 crore.
How many farmers have benefited from this scheme?
Approximately nine lakh farmers have benefited from the scheme.
What initiatives are included in the PLI scheme?
The PLI scheme encompasses various initiatives such as the Kisan Sampada Yojana and the PMFME scheme.
