Cabinet approves PLI scheme for food processing to increase food exports

By OEM Update Editorial April 5, 2021 5:24 pm IST

Adoption of modern technology or good production practice for value added or processed food products are not adequate for increasing production and their export without effective marketing promotion activities.              

CII welcomes the decision of the Union Cabinet to approve the Central Sector Scheme – “Production Linked Incentive Scheme for Food Processing Industry (PLISFPI)” which is aimed at supporting the creation of global food manufacturing champions as well as the Indian brands of food products in the global markets with an outlay of ₹ 10900 crore.

With a significant potential for enhancing value added exports, there is enough scope to increase the export of more value added and processed food such as ready to eat, ready to drink, ready to cook in all segments like meat, fish, F&V and even grain-based high-end cookies of millets, traditional Indian food/vegan food, that is in demand overseas by the Indian Diaspora.

There are a host of initiatives that are already underway to promote value addition and better utilisation of agricultural produce; minimise wastage/losses at all stages in the food processing chain by development of infrastructure for storage, transportation and processing of agro produce; induction of modern technology in the food processing industries; encourage R&D in food processing for products and process development; provide policy support, promotional initiative and facilities to promote value added exports and create the critical infrastructure to fill the gaps in the supply chain from farm to consumer, by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) under the umbrella scheme Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY).

The PLI Scheme approved will be a game changer in boosting food processing investments, agri-exports, farmer incomes and in building Indian brands for the global market. We compliment the Hon’ble Prime Minister for the Vision and the Government for spearheading this transformative step forward