New Delhi: The Centre announced a major millet processing boost after approving ₹793.27 crore under the Production Linked Incentive scheme to support manufacturing and sales of millet-based food products across India.
Minister of State for Food Processing Industries Ravneet Singh shared the details in a written reply in the Lok Sabha. He said the initiative aims to expand the millet value chain and strengthen food processing industries nationwide.
The incentive operates under the Production Linked Incentive Scheme for Food Processing Industry. A dedicated component focuses on millet-based products with a total financial outlay of ₹800 crore.
So far, the government approved ₹793.27 crore for 29 companies. The beneficiaries include eight large companies and 21 small and medium enterprises.
Officials said the scheme encourages companies to increase the use of millets in processed food products. It also promotes value addition and supports domestic and export markets.
The incentives apply only when the entire manufacturing chain operates within India. This rule ensures that the country strengthens domestic production capacity and supply chains.
Millet processing boost expands micro food enterprises
The government also promoted millet processing through the PM Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises scheme. Under the programme, millet-based products were identified as the One District One Product in 21 districts.
Authorities organised Millet Mahotsav events in 30 districts during the International Year of Millets 2023. These events encouraged entrepreneurs, start-ups and small food processors to enter the millet processing sector.
As of December 31, 2025, the PMFME scheme approved 4,612 micro food processing enterprises involved in millet processing. The government sanctioned subsidies worth ₹91.20 crore for these units.
Officials said the scheme supports Farmer Producer Organisations, Self Help Groups and cooperatives engaged in millet product processing. It also provides assistance for common packaging, branding and quality control systems.
Meanwhile, the government approved one food processing unit under the Creation or Expansion of Food Processing and Preservation Capacities component of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana.
Government data also showed strong growth in millet product sales under the PLI initiative. Sales by approved beneficiaries increased from ₹35 crore in 2020-21 to ₹814 crore in 2024-25.
Millet procurement by participating companies also rose sharply. It increased from 1,092 metric tonnes in 2020-21 to 16,130 metric tonnes in 2024-25.
Officials said the growth reflects rising demand for millet products and stronger processing infrastructure across the country.
