A total investment of approximately Rs 9,207 crore has been made by approved applicants in the production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme for Food Processing Industries (PLISFPI) until December 31, 2025. This initiative has led to the creation of around 35 lakh metric tonnes per annum of processing and preservation capacity. Minister of State for Food Processing Industries, Ravneet Singh, mentioned that a total incentive amount of Rs 2,714.79 crore has been disbursed so far.
Out of the 168 applicants approved under the PLISFPI Scheme, 69 fall under the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) category. Additionally, 40 contract manufacturing units of the main approved applicants also belong to the MSME sector. The scheme includes 2 cooperative applicants, 2 applicants focusing on innovative food products, and 13 applicants operating in the organic sector, as highlighted by the minister.
The scheme aims to bolster the creation of global food manufacturing leaders, promote Indian food brands internationally, and enhance employment opportunities in off-farm jobs. It also strives to ensure better prices for farm produce and increased income for farmers. Incentives under the PLISFPI are applicable when the entire manufacturing process of the food products covered by the scheme occurs in India, including primary processing. Moreover, approved beneficiaries/applicants are encouraged to engage in branding and marketing activities abroad.
India’s export of processed food products has been on the rise over the last three years, with key export destinations including the US, the UAE, Bangladesh, Libya, Sudan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Somalia, Thailand, and Tanzania. To further strengthen India’s export competitiveness and provide targeted support to exporters, the government has sanctioned the Scheme for Export Promotion Mission (EPM). The Economic Survey 2025-26 projects that India has the potential to achieve $100 billion in combined exports of agriculture, marine products, and food and beverages within the next four years.
