PLI Scheme for Food Processing Attracts ₹9,207 Crore Investment, Generates 3.29 Lakh Jobs
Synopsis
The Indian government's Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for food processing has attracted over ₹9,207 crore in investments and created 3.29 lakh jobs, showcasing its impact on employment and economic growth in rural areas.
Key Takeaways
Investment: ₹9,207 crore attracted.
Jobs Created: 3.29 lakh jobs generated.
Duration: Six-year initiative from FY 2021-22 to FY 2026-27.
Sectors Covered: Ready-to-cook, ready-to-eat foods, and more.
Growth Rate: Sales CAGR at 10.58%.
New Delhi, April 7 (NationPress) The Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for the food processing sector has successfully secured investments totaling Rs 9,207 crore and has resulted in the creation of approximately 3.29 lakh jobs, as reported by the government on Tuesday.
Initiated by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, this initiative is set to run for six years, spanning from FY 2021-22 to FY 2026-27, with a comprehensive budget of Rs 10,900 crore.
The primary objectives include enhancing value addition, boosting processing capacities, and fostering employment, especially within rural and off-farm communities.
This scheme encompasses significant sectors such as ready-to-cook and ready-to-eat (RTC/RTE) foods, processed fruits and vegetables, marine products, and mozzarella cheese. It also promotes innovative and organic offerings from MSMEs, alongside branding and marketing efforts to elevate the global standing of Indian food products.
So far, 128 companies have been approved under the scheme, covering 274 units nationwide, with notable participation from the MSME sector, which includes 68 MSME applicants and 40 contract manufacturing units.
The government highlighted that the scheme has significantly contributed to capacity building, technology enhancements, and the modernization of food processing facilities across various states.
Investment levels have surpassed initial expectations, with total investments reaching Rs 9,207 crore against a previously committed Rs 7,722 crore distributed across 22 states.
Additionally, around 34 lakh metric tonnes per annum of processing and preservation capacity has been established.
According to government officials, sales of products supported by the PLI scheme have increased at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.58%, while exports have shown a CAGR of 7.41% despite ongoing global challenges.
Products based on millets have experienced a dramatic surge, with sales escalating from Rs 345.73 crore in FY23 to Rs 1,845.25 crore in FY25, alongside a significant rise in millet procurement during this timeframe.
Point of View
Particularly in rural areas. This initiative not only fosters growth within the sector but also enhances India's global presence in food products.
NationPress
20 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the goal of the PLI scheme?
The PLI scheme aims to increase value addition, enhance processing capacity, and generate employment, particularly in rural and off-farm sectors.
How much investment has the PLI scheme attracted?
The PLI scheme has attracted investments totaling ₹9,207 crore.
How many jobs have been created under the PLI scheme?
Approximately 3.29 lakh jobs have been created as a result of the PLI scheme.
What sectors does the PLI scheme cover?
The scheme covers sectors such as ready-to-cook and ready-to-eat foods, processed fruits and vegetables, marine products, and mozzarella cheese.
What are the expected outcomes of the PLI scheme?
The scheme is expected to enhance capacity, modernize food processing units, and increase the global competitiveness of Indian food products.
