PLI — Food Processing — Quick Overview
| Scheme Name | PLI Food Processing Scheme 2026 — Production Linked Incentive for Food Manufacturing: ₹10,900 Crore | mofpi.gov.in |
| Launched By | Government of India |
| Launch Year | 2021 |
| Benefit | 4-10% annual incentive on incremental sales for 6 years + For SME food companies: 10% incentive first 2 years + Export promotion + Market access support |
| Category | Employment |
| Last Verified | 25 May 2026 |
| Official Portal | https://mofpi.gov.in |
What is PLI — Food Processing?
Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Food Processing Industry is implemented by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) with a budget of ₹10,900 crore (2021-27). The scheme incentivizes food companies to increase domestic production and reduce food imports. PLI for food provides: (1) Sales-based incentive: 4-10% incentive on incremental sales above the base year (2019-20) for domestic food manufacturers — paid annually for 6 years; (2) Innovative/organic products: 10% incentive for the first 2 years, then 5-4-3% tapering; (3) Selected segments: Ready-to-eat meals, processed fruits & vegetables, marine products, mozzarella cheese, organic products, and SME food companies. Selected companies: 61 companies selected (including ITC, Britannia, Nestle, Tata Consumer, Heritage Foods, Kohinoor Foods, etc.) + 39 SME applicants. PLI is encouraging Indian food companies to achieve scale and compete globally — India's processed food export target is $50 billion by 2030.
Under this scheme, eligible beneficiaries receive 4-10% annual incentive on incremental sales for 6 years + For SME food companies: 10% incentive first 2 years + Export promotion + Market access support. The scheme was launched in 2021 and is implemented by the Government of India.
Benefits of PLI — Food Processing
4-10% annual incentive on incremental sales for 6 years + For SME food companies: 10% incentive first 2 years + Export promotion + Market access support
Who is Eligible for PLI — Food Processing?
- ✓Food manufacturing companies with minimum investments as per PLI category
- ✓Innovative/Organic Food SMEs: Minimum ₹10 crore investment in plant & machinery
- ✓Large food companies (RTE, processed fruits, marine): Minimum investment thresholds vary by category
- ✓Companies must be incorporated in India (FDI companies also eligible)
- ✓Must have a base year (2019-20) revenue to calculate incremental sales
Documents Required for PLI — Food Processing
How to Apply for PLI — Food Processing Online?
- 1PLI Phase 1 applications are closed (61 companies selected in 2021-22)
- 2For SME food companies: Check MoFPI for any new PLI rounds or extensions
- 3Benefit indirectly: Buy Indian PLI-supported brands — scheme is designed to create jobs and lower food prices
- 4Startup food companies: Consider PMFME (ODOP) scheme instead for direct 35% capital subsidy
Official Government Portal
Apply directly on the official government website. This is the only authorised portal — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
🔗Apply on mofpi.gov.inFrequently Asked Questions — PLI — Food Processing
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